IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


1.1 


■SO     "^~       !■■ 

US  Kii   12.2 


^  HA 


Ht 


110 


2.0 


IL25  IIIU 


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ill  1.6 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


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23  WESr  MAIN  STRUT 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)872-4503 


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4^0 


CIHM/ICMH 

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d'images  nicessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

IS 


<CONT 

co; 


MEMOm 


/zi^ 


J'.      \\ 

■  i' 


OF 


-  * 


(CONTAINING   THE  MOST  INTERESTING    INCIDENTS 
iCONNECTED  WITH  HIS  PRIVATE  AND  PUBLIC 

CAREER, 


J 


BY  HUGH  MOORE. 


f:-.  .  • 


'  •• 


1? 


ii 


PLATTSBURGH,  N.  Y. 
PUBLISHED  BT  O.  R.  COOK, 


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1834. 


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I 


.- Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the 
year  1 833,  bt/  Orrin  Randolph  Cook,  in  the 
Clerks  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United 
States^  for  the  Southern  District  of  Hew  York. 


>''" 


'fs^ 


F.  p.  ALLEPr,  PR» PLATTSBURGHo 


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4 


i  I 


INTRODUCTION. 


,:      ■  .>.-i.         ■> 


in  the 
n  the 
Jnited 
ork. 


\ 


The  human  mind  is  ever  eager  in  the  pur- 
suit of  knowledge — ever  awake  to  the  inci- 
dents of  life,  as  they  spring  into  existence 
from  the  actions  of  mankind :  and,  perhaps, 
nothing  is  more  deeply  interesting,  than  the 
impressions  given  us  by  the  "  deeds  of  noble 
daring,"  achieved  by  those  brave  and  patri- 
otic men  who  breasted  the  current  of  oppres- 
sion, in  the  days  of  trial,  and  periled  their 
"  lives,  their  fortunes  and  their  sacred  hon- 
ors" in  defence  of  their  country's  liberties. 
It  is  well,  then,  to  transmit  to  posterity,  as  an 
inheritance  worthy  of  preservation,  the  les- 
sons our  fathers  have  taught  us,  and  the  ben- 
efits they  have  conferred  upon  mankind. — 
Earth  contains  no  brighter  treasure,  than  the 
unsullied  lustre  of  patriotism — and  a  coun- 
try, like  our  own,  can  boast  no  dearer  feeling 
than  the  veneration  she  may  entertain  for  the 
valour  and  bravery  of  her  sons. 


'i 


'. 


v 


■-^.i'  1 


IV 


iNTRODUCTiOlif. 


11 ' 


The  American  Revolution  called  forth  the 
latent  energies  of  many  individuals,  who 
would,  in  a  more  peaceable  state  of  political 
affairs,  have  slumbered  in  obscurity,  and 
gone  down  to  the  grave  unhonored  and  un- 
known.   The  very  nature  of  the  policy  of 
Great  Britain  towards  this  country — a  policy 
every  way  tyrannical  and  oppressive — was 
calculated  to  call  into  action  the  efforts  of 
every  friend  of  liberty.    It  was  an  attempt  to 
strip  us  of  our  rights,  and  manacle  us  with 
the  fetters  of  slavery — an  envenomed  thrust 
of  the  adder  towards  the  breast  of  the  inno- 
cent and  the  weak.    But,  thanks  to  the  spirit 
which  prevailed  among  our  fathers — thanks 
to  the  patriotism  which  then  wai  med  the 
hearts  of  the  people — the  mercenaries  of  a 
foreign  power  were  unequal  to  the  task  of 
accomplishing  the  designs  of  their  masters. 
Our  population  rallied  to  the  calls  of  the 
brave  and  wise  men  of  our  country,  imbued 
with  a  spirit  worthy  the  little  band  which  de- 
fended the  Pass  of  Thermopylae.      They 
fought  and  they  conquered  ;  and  their  de- 
clining ye^ars  were  cheered  with  the  knowl- 
edge that  the  country  for  which  they  had 


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iNtRObUCTIOK.  V 

struggled  so  long  and  fearfully,  was  prosper- 
ous and  happy,  and  that  their  deeds  were 
fondly  remembered.  .     • 

Perhaps  no  individual,  of  equal  advan- 
tages, and  the  station  he  occupied  in  life, 
contributed  more  towards  establishing  the 
independence   of  our  country,  than  Ethan- 
Allen,  the  subject  of  this   memoir.    The 
mass  of  the  people  among  whom  he  resided, 
were  rude  and  uncultivated ;  yet  bold  in  spir- 
it and  zealous  in  action.    It,    consequently  , 
followed,  that  no  one,  save  a  man  of  strong 
natural  endowments — of  much  decision,  en- 
ergy and  bravery,  could  control  their  preju- 
dices and  inclinations.     Habit  had  rendered 
them  familiar  with  danger,  and  impatient  of 
restraint :  hence,  it  followed,  that  no  policy, 
unless  proceeding  from  a  source  in  which 
they  had  confidence,  ever  gaint.d  their  ap- 
probation.   Upon  Allen,  whose  c  jurage  was 
undoubted,  and  whose  zealous  devotion  to 
their  interests  was  universally  acknowledged, 
they  implicitly  relied.    They  had  known  him 
in  adversity  and  prosperity — they  had  weigh- 
ed  him,  and  found  nothing  lacking.    To- 
friend  or  foe,  he  waa  ever  the  same  uuyield-' 


I, ' 


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INTRODUCTIOX. 


ing  advocate  of  the  rights  of  man,  and  uni- 
versal liberty.  The  policy,  therefore,  he  up- 
held, as  beneficial  to  the  common  cause  of 
American  liberty,  ever  found  strong  and  effi- 
cient supporters  in  the  friends  with  whom  h© 
associated,  and  by  whom  he  was  known.  • 

From  the  commencement  of  our  Revolu- 
tionary struggle,  until  its  final  close,  Ethan 
Allen  proved  a  zealous  and  strenuous  sup- 
porter of  the  cause.  Whether  in  the  field 
or  the  council — whether  at  home,  a  freeman 
among  the  mountains  of  Vermont,  or  loaded 
with  the  manacles  of  despotism,  in  a  foreign 
country,  his  spirit  never  quailed  beneath  the 
sneer  of  the  tory  or  the  harsh  threats  of  in- 
solent authority.  A  stranger  to  fear,  his 
opinions  were  ever  given  without  disguise  or 
hesitation :  and,  an  enemy  to  oppression,  he 
sought  every  opportunity  to  redress  the 
wrongs  of  the  oppressed.  It  is  not  to  be 
supposed,  however,  that  he  was  faultless  : 
Like  other  men,  he  had  his  errors^ike  oth- 
er men,  his  foibles :  Yet  he  was  not  wilfully 
stubborn  in  either.  When  convinced  of  an 
erroneous  position,  he  was  ever  willing  to 
yield  a  victory :  but,  in  theory,  as  in  prac- 


\  ■' 


* 


mTRODUCTIOX. 


VII 


tiee,  he  contested  every  inch  of  ground;  and 
only  yielded  when  he  had  no  weapons  left  to 
meet  his  antagonist.  This  trait  in  his  char- 
acter serves,  at  least,  to  prove,  that  he  was 
honest  in  his  conclusions,  however  erroneous 
the  premises  from  which  they  were  deducted. 
Much  error  of  opinion  prevails  among  all 
classes  of  individuals,  in  relation  to  the  char- 
acter of  Col.  Allen,  at  the  present  period. — 
He  is  generally  viewed  as  a  coarse,  ignorant 
man,  void  of  all  the  social  feelings,  and  arro- 
gant in  all  his  pretensions.  Even  Mr.  Dwight 
in  his  "  Travels  in  New-England,"  reports 
him  in  this  light ;  and  deems  him  only  worthy 
a  brief  and  unjust  notice  in  his  work.  In 
what  manner  Mr.  Dwight  came  in  possess- 
ion of  the  facts  upon  which  he  predicated 
his  conclusions,  is  beyond  the  knowledge  of 
the  author  of  this  Memoir:  but,  certain  it  is^ 
he  has  materially  misrepresented  the  moral 
principles,  and,  in  fact,  the  general  character 
of  Col.  Allen.  It  is  presumed,  however, 
that  Mr.  Dwight,  like  many  other  travellers, 
drew  his  inferences  from  the  gossip  of  the 
people  among  whom  he  associated,  without 
being  at  the  trouble  of  extending  his  enqui^ 


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IKTRODUCTIOVf 


ries  to  a  source  from  whence  he  might  hare 
derived  every  material  fact  in  relation  to  th« 
subject.  In  making  this  suggestion,  the  au- 
thor would  not  be  understood  as  attaching 
any  particular  blame  to  Mr.  D wight  :  but 
merely  as  correcting  an  error  of  opinion  which 
is  quite  too  prevalent  in  our  country. 

The  author  much  regrets  the  absence  of 
many  important  facts,  which,  could  he  have 
obtained  them,  would  have  given  additional 
interest  to  the  work :  He  has  the  satisfaction, 
however,  of  knowing,  that  many  interesting 
particulars  are  furnished  which  have  never 
before  appeared  in  print.    The  reader  will* 
also,  find  a  correct  history  of  the  Controversy 
between  the  States  of  J^TeW'York  and  Vermont^ 
in  which  Col.  Allen  bore  a  conspicuous  part, 
together  with  a  number  of  Original  Letters^ 
obtained  from  the  Secretary's  Office  of  the 
State  of  New-York.  For  a  large  proportion  of 
the  facts  in  the  Memoir,  the  author  is  indebt- 
ed to  the  Vermont  State  Papers^  Thompson's 
History  of  Vermont^  and  to  "  j1  Narrative  of 
Col,  Ethan  AUerCs  Captivity ^'^  written  by  him- 
self, and  published  at  Walpole,  N.  H.,.  ia  the 
year  1807-— the  details  of  which  he  has  avail- 


ed bin 
the  de 
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In  the 
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Pl. 


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INTRODUCTIOI^.  HI 

ed  himself  of,  so  far  as  was  compatible  with 
the  design  of  the  present  work.  He  is,  also, 
indebted  to  the  kindness  of  several  individu-^ 
als,in  Vermont,  who  have  assisted  him  in  col- 
lecting many  important  incidents  connected 
with  the  public  and  private  Hfe  of  Col.  Allen^ 
In  some  few  instances,  perhaps,  he  has  fallen 
into  slight  errors  in  regard  to  the  data  of  the 
different  events  in  which  Col.  Aleen  was 
concerned :  and,  perhaps,  a  few  unimpor- 
tant statements  may  be  partially  erroneous : 
In  the  aggregate,  however,  they  will  be  found 
well  authenticated,  and  worthy  of  reliance. 

As  the  author  is  urged,  in  this  undertaking, 
almost  wholly  by  a  desire  to  rescue  many  im- 
portant historical  events  from  oblivion,  and 
to  perpetuate  the  services  rendered  our  com- 
mon country,  by  an  individual  who  sow 
sleeps  in  the  tomb,  he  trusts  his  labours  will 
prove  a  welcome  offering  to  his  fellow-citi- 

zens 

HUGH  MOORE, 

Plattsburgh,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  9, 1033. 


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MEMOIR. 


Joseph  Allen,  the  father  of  Ethan,  was  t^ 
native  of  Coventry,  Connecticut,  and  resided 
in  Litchfield,  where  Ethan  was  born,  in  the 
year  1739.  The  family  consisted  of  eight 
children:  Ethan,  Heman, Lydia, Heber, Le- 
vi, Lucy,  Zimri,  and  Ira.  Ethan  was  twice 
married :  His  first  wife  died  at  Sunderland, 
Vt.;  and  his  second  (the  wife  ofDr.  Pennir 
man,  of  Colchester,)  is  still  living.  Joseph  Al- 
len, was  a  sober,  industrious  farmer,  in  modr 
erate  circumstances,  and  of  good  character. 
Of  his  peculiarities,  little  or  nothing  is  known 
at  the  present  time.  And,  in  fact,  but  few  inci* 
dents,  connected  with  the  early  life  of  Ethan, 
are  extant.  We  are  apprised,  however,  that 
his  education,  like  that  of  a  great  majority  of 
the  people  of  that  period,  was  quite  limited 
— owing  to  the  fact,  that  very  hw  schools 
were  then  in  operation.  The  necessity, 
therefore,  of  a  thorough  education,  was  but 
little  understood  by  the  primitive  settlers  of 
the  country,  who  gave  more  attention  to  the 
common  labors  of  life,  than  to  the  spread  of 
scientific  information.  Notwithstanding  these 
idifiiculties,  however,  a  vast  fund  of  useful 


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knowledge  was  treasured  up  by  many  indU 
«riduals ;  and  by  none  was  the  subject  more 
4evotedly  attended  to,  than  by  young  Allen, 
Ambitious  to  prove  himself  worthy  of  notice, 
and  of  that  attention  which  superior  intellect 
ever  commands,  he  diligently  explored  every 
path  leading  to  important  points,  and  min- 
utely criticised  every  subject  which  came  be- 
neath his  notice.   A  warm  attachment  to  lib-f 
erty,  and  to  the  natural  rights  of  mankind, 
was  a  prominent  characteristic  of  his  youth ; 
and,  when  arrived  to  the  age  of  manhood,  he 
no  longer  forbore  to  express  himself  freely 
and  boldly  in  relation  to  the  oppressive  policy 
of  Great  Britain  towards  the  people  of  the 
American  Colonies.    "  Ever  since  I  arrived 
to  a  state  of  manhood,"  he  observes  in  the 
Narrative  of  his  Captivity,  "  and  acquainted 
myself  with  the  general  history  of  mankind,  I 
have  felt  a  sincere  passion  for  liberty.    The 
history  of  nations,  doomed  to  perpetual  slave- 
ry, in  consequence  of  yielding  up  to  tyrants 
their  natural-born  liberties,  I  read  with  a  sort 
of  philosophical  horror."    To  such  senti-r 
ments  as  the  foregoing,  is  to  be  attributed 
the  zeal  with  which  he  sought,  on  every  occa-' 
8ion,to  instil,  into  the  minds  of  his  associates, 
an  aversion  for  the  political  power  by  which 
the  Colonies  were  controlled,  and  the  people 
held  in  thraldom.    Convinced  that  man  was 
designed,  by  nature,  to  be  the  umpire  of  his 
own  actions,  and  that  he  was  fitted  to  act  for 


himself 
ures  o 
tertain 
sophic 
and  op 
that  th 
found, 
any  en 
wherev 
the  int 
lived, 
guage 
.  We 
him  ar 
— now 
of  his  ] 
was  pe 
authori 
lidity  o 
other  n 
properi 
under 
ment  o 
dation 
the  ter 
tion  of 
howev< 
ofNev 
the  lati 
the  te 
the  for 
andfb] 


'  .     1 


COL.  ETHAN   ALLEN. 


13 


hJmseK'a  matters  connected  with  the  meas- 
ures Q.  he  comitry  in  which  he  hved,  he  en- 
tertained, as  he  uniquely  observes,  a  "  philo- 
sophical horror"  of  every  species  of  tyranny 
and  oppression.  It  is  not  singular,  therefore, 
that  the  friends  of  the  American  Revolution 
found,  in  him,  an  efficient  leader,  ready  for 
any  emergency  and  any  danger ;  and  that, 
wherever  any  evils  existed,  weighing  upon 
the  interests  of  the  community  in  which  he 
lived,  he  was  ever  the  first  to  apply  the  lan- 
guage of  persuasion,  or  the  rod  of  correction. 
.  We  hear  Httle  of  Col.  Allen,  until  we  find 
him  a  resident  in  the  New-Hampshire  Grants 
— now  the  State  of  Vermont.  At  the  period 
of  his  removal  to  this  State,  a  controversy 
was  pending  between  the  settlers,  and  the 
authority  of  New- York,  in  relation  to  the  va- 
lidity of  the  original  titles  of  their  lands,  and 
other  matters  connected  with  their  rights  and 
property.  The  first  settlements  were  made 
under  grants  from  the  Provincial  Govern- 
ment of  Massachusetts ;  but,  by  a  recommen- 
dation of  King  George  IL,  in  the  year  1740, 
the  territory  was  placed  under  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  New-Hampshire.  A  correspondence, 
however,  was  opened  between  the  Governors 
of  New-Hampshire  and  New- York,  in  which 
the  latter  claimed  exclusive  jurisdiction  over 
the  territory.  Notwithstanding  this  claim, 
the  former  proceeded  to  make  further  grants ; 
and,  by  advice  of  his  Council,  in  the  year  1760, 


» 


:h 


'  ■? 


•;i 


*i^,  ■. 


'    if  I 


M 


I  ' 


i,  :i 


l^-  ii 


■^     ^-A 


tf 


14 


MEMOIR    OP 


!  ! 


K     i 


V 


I 


,*, 


ordered  a  survey  of  Connecticut  River  for 
sixty  miles.    The  applications  for  lands  be- 
ing numerous,  other  surveys  rapidly  followed ; 
and  during  the  year  1761,  about  sixty  town- 
ships were  granted.  In  return  for  these  grants, 
the  Governor  was  liberally  paid  by  the  set- 
tlers, receiving,  besides  the  fees  allowed  by 
law,  a  reservation  of  five  hundred  acres,  in 
each  township,  for  himself.     This  state  of 
^  affairs  excited  the  jealousies  of  the  govern- 
ment of  New- York — who  determined,  if  pos- 
sible, to  check  the  operations  of  the  Govern- 
or of  New-Hampshire.     In  view  of  this  re- 
sult, the  Lieutenant-Governor  of  New-YoH^, 
issued  a  proclamation,  in  whi^h  he  referred 
to  the  grants  made  by  Charles  II.  to  the  Duke 
of  York,  in  1664,  which  embraced  "all  the 
lands  from  the  West   side  of  Connecticut 
River,  on  the  East  side  of  Delaware  Bay." 
Relying  upon  this  title,  to  the  territory,  he 
ordered  the  Sheriff  of  Albany  to  return  the 
names  of  every  person  occupying  lands  oi^ 
the  West  side  of  Connecticut  River,  under 
the  New-Hampshire  titles.   In  answer  to  this 
Proclamation,  the  Governor  of  New-Hamp- 
shire issued  a  counter  one,  in  which  the  grant 
to  the  Duke  of  York  was  declared  obsolete. 
The  settlers  were  exhorted  to  be  diligent  and 
industrious ;  and  not  to  fear  the  threats  of 
the  New- York  authority.    In  this  state  of 
things,  application  was  made,  by  New- York, 
directly  to  the  Crown,  for  a  confirmation  of 


V 


her  eld 
plicatii 
em  ba 
where 
setts  B 
North 
the  sai 
Vermo 
roncer 
produc 
regard 
New-Y 
ing,  in 
upon  \ 
for  the 
under i 
Hampi 
the  de 
tendin 
finally 
Procla 
The 
ately  i 
ceede 
New-I 
tory  i 
Court 
were 
their 
under 

*Alle 


iver  for 
nds  bc« 
Mowed ; 
r  town- 
grants, 
the  set- 
)wed  by 
cres,  in 
state  of 
govern- 
,  if  pos- 
jovern- 
this  re- 
y-YorJ«, 
referred 
le  Duke 
'  all  the 
leeticut 
B  Bay." 
tory,  he 
turn  the 
ands  on 
,  under 
r  to  this 
■Hamp- 
le  grant 
bsolete. 
eni  and 
eats  of 
tate  of 
\r-York, 
Eition  of 


COL.   ETHAN  ALLEN. 


15 


het  citiims  :  and,  in  consequence  of  this  ap* 
plication,  the  King  ordered  that  the  "  West* 
em  bank  of  the  Connecticut  River,  from 
where  it  enters  the  Province  of  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  as  far  North  as  the  45th  degree  of 
North  latitude,  be  the  boundary  line  between 
the  said  provinces  of  New-Hampshire  and 
Vermont."  This  decision  surprised  and  dis- 
concerted the  settlers  on  the  grants,  yet  it 
produced  no  serious  alarm.  It  was  merely 
regarded  as  extending  the  jurisdiction  of 
New- York  over  the  territory,  without  affect- 
ing, in  any  manner,  their  title  to  the  lands 
upon  which  they  had  settled — having  paid 
for  them,  and  obtained  deeds  of  the  same 
under  the  Crown.  The  Governor  of  New- 
Hampshire,  at  first,  remonstrated  against 
the  decision  of  the  King,  in  relation  to  ex- 
tending the  jurisdiction  of  New-York  :  but 
finally  submitted  to  the  change,  and  issued  a 
Proclamation  to  that  effect 

The  government  of  New-York,  immedi- 
ately after  the  decision  of  the  Crown^  pro- 
ceeded to  extend  its  jurisdiction  over  the 
New-Hampshire  Grants :  dividing  the  terri- 
tory into  four  Counties,  and,  establishing 
Courts  of  Justice  in  each.*  The  settlers 
were  imperatively  commanded  to  surrender 
their  charters  and  re-purchase  their  lands 
under  grants  from  New- York.    A  few  com- 


*  Allen's  History  of  Vermont. 


-.1  m 


•i"» 


■'■< 
1    ♦ 

i                  »  . 

:' .  ''^  ^i' 


h-  ■  ■■ 


•■  V  ! 
I 


i'S, 


16 


UEMOm  OF 


i  ' 

1    - 


il 


plied  with  this  order;  but  a  large  majority 
peremptorily  refused.  The  lands  of  those 
who  non-complied,  were  granted  to  others  ; 
in  whose  names,  writs  of  ejectment  were  is- 
sued, and  judgments  obtained  in  the  New- 
York  Courts.  A  determined  resistance  was 
made,  by  the  settlers,  against  these  unjust 
and  arbitrary  measures  :  and,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  rendering  this  resistance  more  ef- 
fectual, a  number  of  associations  of  the  peo- 
ple were  formed,  and  a  Convention  finally 
called,  composed  of  Representatives  from 
the  different  towns  on  the  West  side  of  the 
Mountain.  After  much  dehberation,  the 
Convention  appointed  Samuel  Robinson,  an 
Agent,  to  represent  to  the  King,  the  griev- 
ances sufiered  by  the  settlers,  and  to  obtain 
a  confirmation  of  the  New-Hampshire 
grants.^  The  report  of  the  Agent  was  fa- 
vorably received  by  the  King :  "  His  Majesty 
was  pleased,  with  the  advice  of  his  Private 
Council,  to  approve  thereof,  and  doth  hereby 
strictly  charge,  require  and  command,  that 
the  Governor  or  Commander-in-Chief,  of  his 
Majesty's  Province  of  New- York,  for  the  time 
being,  do  not,  upon  his  Majesty's  highest  dis- 
pleasure, presume  to  make  any  grant,  what- 
soever, of  any  part  of  the  lands  described  in 
the  said  report,  until  his  Majesty's  further 
pleasure  shall  be  known,    concerning  the 


fWrniams'  Historj* 


.vn^?/jivil.fe'<i^j:j«^,^6- 


I . 


C6L.   fiTHAK  ALLE.V.     ' 


17 


lajoritjr 
'  those 
others ; 
^ere  i»- 

New- 
ce  was 

unjust 
le  pur- 
ore  ef- 
tiepeo- 
i  finally 
s  froni 

of  the 
n,  the 
3on,  an 

griev- 

obtain 
ipshire 
ras  fa- 
lajesty 
-^rivate 
hereby 
i,  that 
,  of  his 
letime 
?st  dis- 

what- 
ibed  in 
further 
ig  the 


Bamfe.'*  This  explicit  prohibition  of  the  King, 
however,  was  of  Uttle  or  no  avail :  The  gov- 
ernment of  New-York  continued  to  make 
grants,  and  writs  of  ejectment  were  issued  as 
formerly.  Thus  compelled  to  resort  to  more 
effective  measures  than  mere  argument,  the 
people  assembled  in  Convention,  at  Benning- 
ton, and  "  Resolved  to  support  their  rights 
and  property  uitder  the  New-Hampshire 
grants,  against  the  usurpation  and  unjust 
claims  of  the  Governor  and  Council  of  New- 
York,  BY  FORCE,  as  law  and  justice  were  de- 
nied them."* 

The  adoption  of  this  resolution  was  fol- 
lowed by  a  resolute  and  spirited  resistance  to 
the  Civil  Officers  of  New- York :  Many  of 
them  were  seized  by  the  people,  and  severe- 
ly chastised  with  "  twigs  of  the  wildernessJ^'* — 
"  A  military  association  was,  also,  formed, 
of  which  Ethan  Allen  was  appointed  Colo- 
nel Commandant,  and  Seth  Warner,  Re- 
member Baker,  Robert  Cochran,  Gideon 
Warner,  and  others,  appointed  Captains. — 
Committees  of  safety  were,  likewise,  appoint- 
ed in  several  towns  West   of  the   Green 

Mountaine.f 

On  the  other  side  of  the  question,  the  au- 
thorities of  New- York  directed  the  Sheriff  of 
Albany  to  raise  the  posse  comitaius,  to  assist 
in  the  execution  of  his  office  ;  and  a  "  Proc- 

^Allen's  History.  f  Allen^s  Historjr. 

2* 


1 


U 


n 


H'1 


i 


m 


• ''■■»; 


! 


'S 


19 


hemoir  of 


II 


\' 


II  ^ 


It 


lation  was  issued,  by  the  Governor  of  New- 
York,  offering  a  reward  of  one  hundrofl  and 
£fty  pounds  for  the  apprehension  of  Ethan 
Allen,  and  fifty  pomnds  each,  for  the  appre- 
hension of  SiiTH  Warner,  and  five  others. — 
ALLEii,  and  the  other  proscribed  persons,  in 
their  turn,,  issued  a  Proclamation,  offering 
five  pounds  for  apprehending,  and  dehvering 
to  any  officer  of  the  Green  iMountain  Boys, 
the  Attorney  General  of  the  Colony  of  New- 
York.''*^  ^ 

At  this  crisis  of  the  controversy,  the  Gov- 
ernor of  New-York  addressed  a  communica- 
tion to  "  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dewey,  and  the  inhab- 
itants of  Bennington,  and  the  adjacent  coun- 
try, on  the  Ea»st  side  of  Hudson's  River,"  in 
which  he- unequivocally  pointed  out  what  ho 
termed  the  "illegal  acts"  committed  by  the 
settlers  against  the  authority  of  New- York. 
IJe,  also,  extended  an  invitation  to  Mr.  Dew- 
ey to  lay  before  the  government  the  causes  of 
the  proceedings^    "^  That  there  may  be  no 
obstruction,"  observes  the  Governor,  "  to 
your  laying  before  me,  in  Council,  as  soon  as 
possible,  a  fair  representation  of  your  con- 
duct, I  do.  hereby  engage  fiiU  security  and 
protection  to  any  persons  whom  you  shall 
choose  to  send  on: this  business,  to  New-York, 
from  the  trane  the^  leave  their  homes  to  the 
time  of  theic  retuiBv  except  Robert  Cochran, 


AUbD*8  History.. 


(.■•*,4i';y"'-..''*#^;i; 


v  ■  t 


as  also 
in  my  1 
last,  ai 
haviou 
him  to 
try." 
pectfu 
pressic 
and  be 
dispose 
ance  t< 
his  Ma 
gracio 
And,  ii 
commi 
at  the 

To  Hii 

May 
jesty's 
this  pi 
of  lan< 
name< 
try,  &( 
letter 
privile 
ally  vi: 
fore  ) 
extrei 
writin 
60  of 


I« 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN.. 


19 


f  New- 
ei(i  and 
Ethan 
appre- 

hers. — 
sons,  in 
)ftering 
ivering 
BoySy 
.fNew- 

le  Gov- 
aunica* 
inhab- 
t  Goun- 
i^er,"  in 
vhnt  ho 
by  the 
r-York. 
'.  Dew- 
uses  of 
be  no 

y     "to 

oon  as 
ir  con- 
ty  and 
shall 
hYork, 
to  the 
)chran,. 


as  also  Allen,  Baker  and  Sevil,  mentioned 
in  my  Proclamation  of  the  9th  of  December 
last,  and  Seth  Warner,  whose  audacious  be- 
haviour to  a  Civil  Magistrate,  has  subjected 
him  to  the  penalties  of  the  laws  of  his  coun- 
try." To  this  communication,  a  firm  and  res- 
pectful answer  was  returned,  detailing  the  op- 
pressions under  which  the  settlers  sufFeredr 
and  beseeching  his  Excellency  to  be  friendly 
disposed  towards  them,  and  lend  hi&  assist- 
ance to  quiet  them  in  their  possessions,  until 
his  Majesty,  in  his  royal  wisdom,  should  be 
graciously  pleased  to  settle  the  controversy.- 
And,  in  addition  to  this,  the  following  special 
communication  was  made  to  the  Governor,, 
at  the  same  time : 

"  Bennington,  June  5th,  1772, 

To  His  Excellmcy^  William  Tryon,  Esq,  8rc, 

May  it  please  your  Excellency^ — ^We,  Ms  Ma-* 
jesty's  loyal  subjects,  whose  names  are  to 
this  piece  affixed,  inhabitants  on  that  tract 
of  land,  your  Excellency  describes  by  the 
name  of  Bennington^  and  the  adjacent  coun- 
try, &c.  and  who  was,  by  your  Excelleney's 
letter  of  the  19th  of  May  last,  prohibited  the 
privilege  of  going  to  New-York^  and  person- 
ally vindicate  either  ourselves  or  country,  be- 
fore yonr  Excellency,  and  being  put  to  the 
extremity  of  informing  your  Excellency  by 
writing,  the  reason  of  our  discontent,  and  al- 
so of  QUI  behaviour,  which  we  shall  more 


^ » 


*<i 


■i'l. 


'  '  i 


mi. 


■1 


•'ti 


!» 


'• 


I"     I 


20 


MEMOIR  OP 


■I  J .  • 


largely  set  forth,  than  is  in  the  foregoing  geii' 
era!  answer  to  your  Excellency's  letter ;  and 
also  exhibit  more  arguments  deduced  from 
reason  and  the  nature  of  things  ;  we  hope 
your  Excellency  will  be  graciously  pleased  to 
view  this  our  defence  with  that  tenderness 
and  candor,  a  gentleman  in  so  elevated  a  sta- 
tion should  do,  and,  therefore,  beg  leave  to 
observe,  that,  as,  on  the  one  hand,  no  consid- 
eration whatever,  shall  induce  us  to  remit, 
in  the  least,  of  our  loyalty  and  gratitude  to 
our  most  gracious  Sovereign,  nor  of  a  rea- 
sonable submission  to  your  Excellency  ;  so 
on  the  other  hand,  no  tyrannical  exertions  of 
the  powers  of  the  government,  can  deter  us 
from  asserting  and  vindicating  our  undoubt- 
ed rights  and  privileges  as  Englishmen.  We 
expected  an  answer  from  your  Excellency,  to 
our  humble  petition  to  you  delivered,  soon 
after  your  Excellency's  accession  to  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  government ;  but  for  rea- 
sons to  us  unknown,  your  Excellency  passed 
it  by  in  silence.  However,  we  cheerfully  em- 
brace this  opportunity  of  laying  before  your 
Excellency  in  Council,  the  true  state  of  our 
controversy,  which,  we  can  no  otherwise  do, 
but  by  absorbing  our  personal  distinction  into 
the  community,  and  general  cause,  to  which 
we  have  obtained  the  character  of  faithful. 
We  assure  your  Excellency  that  we  assent  ta 
your  authority  of  jurisdiction,  in  as  much  as 
nis  Majesty's  Proclamation  assures  us,  it  is 


\ 


his  will 

diction 

sent  to 

cept  in 

has  bee 

us  of  oi 

ly  dcsir 

annex  i 

But  thi 

or  at  1< 

ground 

we  app 

represc 

tain  th( 

reason 

it,  that 

our  pre 

tend  fc 

demon 

men  in 

patent 

and  t] 

broug] 

Hampi 

by  bot 

judgm 

ther  J 

actual 

der  ol 

ing  t] 

weati 

life,  t] 


ir;  and 
)d  from 
^e  hope 
ased  to 
dernesa 
d  a  sta- 
eave  to 
consid- 
I  remit, 
tude  to 
a  rea- 
cy;  so 
lions  of 
eter  us 
doubt- 
\i.    We 
ncy,  to 
I,  soon 
;he  ad- 
br  rea- 
passed 
lly  em- 
e  your 
of  our 
ise  do, 
m  into 
which 
ithful. 
ent  to 
[ch  as 
9  it  ifl 


COL«  ETHAN  AtLI^T. 


21 


his  will  and  pleasure,  we  be  under  the  juris- 
diction oi'  JVetv- York  ;  and  not  only  now  as- 
sent to  it,  but  have  ever  done  the  same,  ex- 
cept in  instances  where  such  perverse  use 
has  been  made  thereof,  as  would  dispossess 
us  of  our  property  and  country.  We  are  tru- 
ly desirous,  and  petitioning  his  Majesty  to  re- 
annex  us  to  the  Province  of  JVew-Hampshire. 
But  this  is  not  the  ground  of  our  discontent, 
or  at  least,  is  far  from  being  the  principal 
ground  ofit,  though  it  was  done  ex parfe^  and 
we  apprehend  there  were  more  or  less  wrong 
representations  made  to  his  Majesty,  to  ol^ 
tain  the  jurisdiction.  However,  it  is  the  un- 
reasonable and  unconstitutional  exercise  of 
it,  that  is  the  present  bone  of  contention — 
our  properties  are  all  at  stake;  this  we  con- 
tend for,  as  the  following  known  facts  will 
demonstrate.  A  certain  number  of  designing 
men  in  JVew-York  (and  elsewhere)  procured 
patents  under  the  great  seal  of  that  Province, 
and  those  grantees,  being  non-residents, 
brought  writs  of  ejectment  againt  the  JVew-' 
Hampshire  settlers  on  the  same  land,  covered 
by  both  patents,  as  aforesaid,  and  obtained 
judgment  against  them,  and  proceeded  fur- 
ther and  took  out  writs  of  possession,  and 
actually  dispossessed  several  of  them  by  or- 
der of  Law,  of  their  houses  and  farms,  leav- 
ing them  to  suffer  the  inclemency  of  the 
weather,  bereaved  of  all  the  necessaries  of 
life,  their  new  laaateis  having  monopohzed 


I  ■ 


I 


ii* 


!*    '■ 


.      }t 


*':: 


r< 


■    f 


n 


22 


IfEMOlR  Of 


their  earthly  all,  to  themselves.  These  in- 
digent families  having,  in  the  first  place,  ex- 
pended their  several  fortunes,  in  bringing 
their  farms  out  of  a  wilderness  state,  into  that 
of  fruitful  fields,  gardens  and  orchards;  the 
whole  country,  consisting  of  more  than  fif- 
teen hundred  families,  was  greatly  alarmed 
at  the  event  which  had  already  began  to  take 
place,  and  in  the  greatest  consternation ; 
each  individual,  from  these  instances, reading 
their  own  intolerable  and  universal  destruc- 
tion.— Still  the  writs  of  ejectment  came  thick- 
er and  faster,  and  universal  slavery,  poverty 
and  horror,  emblematically  appeared  m  every 
countenance. 

Thus,  things  having  come  to  this  pass,  the 
oppression  was  too  great  for  human  nature, 
under  English  Constitution,  to  grope  under, 
for  those  unparalleled  instances  struck  an 
infinitely  more  terrible  idea,  than  that  of  the 
exertion  of  the  Powers  of  Government. 

Laws  and^ociety  compacts  were  made  to 
protect  and  secure  the  subjects,  in  their 
peaceable  possessions  and  properties,  and 
not  to  subvert  them.  No  person  or  commu- 
nity of  persons  can  be  supposed  to  be  under 
any  particular  compact  or  Law,  except  it 
pre-siipposeth,  that  that  Law  will  protect 
such  person  or  community  of  persons  in  his 
or  their  properties ;  for  otherwise,  the  sub- 
ject would,  by  Law,  be  bound  to  be  accesso- 
ry to  his  own  ruin  and  destruction,  which  ia 


;/ 


1 


M 


*.  • . 


COL.   KTHAR   ALLEIT, 


23 


inconsistent  with  the  Law  of  self  preserva- 
tion ;  but  this  Law  being  natural  as  well  as 
eternal,  can  never  bo  abrogated  by  the  Law 
of  men. 

We  would  acquaint  your  Excellency,  that 
since  our  misfonunc  of  being  annexed  to  the 
Province  oi Mew- York ^  Law  has  been  rather 
used  as  a  tool  (than  a  rule  of  equity)  to  cheat 
us  out  of  the  country,  we  have  made  vastly 
valuable  by  labour  and  expense  of  our  for- 
tunes. We  conclude,  these  things  are  yet 
unknown,  or  in  a  great  measure  so,  to  your 
Excellency,  as  your  Excellency's  commence- 
ment of  the  administration,  hath  not  been 
long,  and  a  set  of  artful,  wicked  men,  con- 
cealing the  truth  from  your  Excellency,  pur- 
posing to  make  a  booty  of  us,  characterizing 
us,  (speaking  of  our  inhabitants  in  general)  as 
so  many  rioters,  if  not  rebels ;  and  we  being 
a  poor  people,  at  a  great  distance  from  your 
Excellency's  place  of  residence,  fatigued  in 
settling  a  wilderness  country,  have  little  or  no^ 
opportunity  of  acquainting  your  Excellency 
of  our  grievances,  except  by  one  short  petin 
tion  delivered  to  your  Excellency,  soon  after 
youf  fa^i  taking  the  administration — and  as| 
our  cause  is  represented  before  his  Majesty 
and  Council,  we  did  not  expect  your  Exceli 
lency  to  determine  the  controversy,  nor  doi 
we  yet  expect  it.  We  are  sensible,  thosei 
men  that  seek  our  ruin,  thereby,  to  enrict^ 
themselves,  do,  by  stratagems  of  every  kind^ 


• ', 


•* . 


;li ' 


! 


,<• 


V 

r. 


.'I 


! 


^ri     ' 


i-i 


l''l» 


:v-' 


r  i 


\. 


i; 


» 


24 


JHEMOIR   OF 


represent  us  to  your  Excellency  as  breakers 
of  the  peace,  and  enemies  to  the  government; 
and  under  this  pretence,  they  hope  to  catch 
a  number  of  the  boldest  of  our  inhabitants, 
and  punish  them  in  the  New-York  Inquisition, 
with  that  severity  that  the  residue  may  be 
frightened  out  of  both  liberty  and  property  ; 
for  otherwise,  they  would  soon  be  indicted 
rioters,  and  thus,  under  colour  of  punishing 
rioters,  and  a  zeal  of  loyalty  and  veneration 
for  good  government,  rob  the  inhabitants  of 
their  country.  If  we  do  not  oppose  the  She- 
riff and  his  Posse,  he  takes  immediate  pos- 
session of  our  houses  and  farms ;  if  we  do,  we 
are  immediately  indicted  rioters ;  and  when 
others  oppose  officers,  in  taking  such,  their 
friends,  so  indicted,  they  are  also  indicted, 
and  so  on,  there  being  no  end  of  indictment 
against  us,  so  long  as  we  act  the  bold  and 
manly  part,  and  stand  by  our  liberty. 

This  is  a  short  sketch  of  the  disingenuous 
cunning  of  Messieurs  Duane  and  Kemp^  and 
their  associates ;  and  it  comes  to  this,  at 
last,  that  we  must  tamely  be  dispossessed,  or 
oppose  officers  in  taking  possession ;  and  as 
a  next  necessary  step,  oppose  taking  of  riot- 
ers, so  called,  or  run  away  like  so  many  cow- 
ards, and  quit  our  country  to  a  number  of 
cringing,  polite  gentlemen,  who  have,  ideally, 
possessed  themselves  of  it  already. 

As  to  sundry  men,  who  have  eloped  lately 
from  our  grants,  aiid  fled  to  New-York  for 


•p> 


COL.  ETHAN   ALLEN. 


25 


t)rotection,  self  preservation  necessitated  us 
to  treat  some  of  them  roughly  ;  and  others, 
viz :  Ebenezer  Cewl,  and  Jonathan  Wheats  of 
Shaftsbui'y,  fled  to  JVew-  York^  on  account  of 
their  own  guilt,  not  being  hurt  or  threatened. 
Would  time  permit,  we  could  give  a  rational 
account  for  most,  or  all  of  our  late  conduct 
towards  these  men.  The  general  reason  is 
this,  namely,  they  were  a  set  of  men  that 
loved  themselves,  and  not  their  country ;  they 
busied  themselves  in  planning  and  assisting 
to  take  rioters,  so  called.  In  fine,  they  were 
the  emissaries  of  that  mercenary  core  of 
Yorkers,  and  did  more,  in  oppressing  the 
people,  than  their  preposterous  benefactors. 
The  assault,  made  upon  Mr.  Baker^  at  day 
break,  of  the  night  of  the  22d  of  March  last, 
by  a  number  of  ruffians,  under  the  command 
of  the  infamous  John  Munro^  Esq.  was  a  no- 
torious riot,  and  gave  energy  and  motion,  to 
the  subsequent  acts,  your  Excellency  denom- 
inates illegal.  This  Munro^  and  his  bloody 
party,  by  cutting,  wounding  and  maiming, 
Mr.  Baker,  his  wife  and  children,  in  such  an 
inhuman  and  savage  manner,  was  •  no  less 
than  proclaiming  himself,  in  a  pubhc  manner, 
to  be  a  malicious  and  bloody  enemy,  not  on- 
ly to  Mr.  Baker,  but  also  tO  all  those  men,  on 
our  grants,  who,  manfully,  adhere  to  main- 
taining liberty  and  property  ;  and  inasmuch 
as  the  murderous  villain  is  alive,  he  has  no 

cause  of  complaint — for,  after  his  assault  up- 

3 


•> 


*■'  ■  ,  < 


«    I 


•;  '■  ' 


;.  ■< 


ill/r  ' 


26 


MEMOIR   OF 


on  Mr.  Baker,  he  made  another  assault  up-% 
on  Mr.  Seth  Warner;  but  not  having  so 
strong  a  party  of  ruffians  with  him,  as  in  his 
other  expedition,  it  was  not  attended  with 
the  hke  consequences,  for  Mr.  Warner  struck 
his  head  with  a  dull  cutlass,  and  levelled  him 
to  the  ground  ;  but  the  blow  proved  not 
mortal ;  and  after  this,  for  his  satisfaction 
for  the  wound,  threatened  the  lives  of  a  num- 
ber of  the  J\€W  Hampshire  settlers.^— Your 
Excellency  will,  undoubtedly,  consider,  as 
our  opponents  have  had  the  manufactory  of 
the  civil  laws,  so  much  under  their  power, 
that  this  merciless  man  rould  not  be  brought 
to  justice,  nor  could  others  among  us,  be 
s?ife  any  other  way,  but  by  using  him  in  his 
own  play ;  he  set  the  example  and  enraged 
the  people  to  mimlck  him  from  that  natural 
principle  in  every  man's  own  breast. 

As  to  the  perfidious  and  treacherous  Bliss 
Willoghby,  he  always  pretended  to  be  a  friend 
of  the  said  Baker''s,  and  Baker  had  ever  been 
truly  a  friend  of  his— this  hypocrite,  two 
days  before  Baker  was  taken,  made  a  frivo- 
lous excuse  of  business,  \vent  to  said  Ba- 
ker'^s  house,  viewed  the  strength  of  it,  perceiv- 
ed Baker  was  somewhat  careless  and  secure, 
and  piade  report  to  the  said  Munro,  In  fine, 
Willoghby  was  the  planner  and  instigator  of 
that  savage  cruelty,  exercised  to  said  Baker, 
which  was  perpetrated  and  brought  into  ac- 
tion by  the  detestable  said  Munro.     But  to 


;/ 


.1  ■ 


COL.  fcTHAN   ALLEK* 


27 


desist :  as  to  the  history  of  our  late  transac- 
tions, whether  they  be  all  right  or  not,  we, 
on  our  part,  have  a  few  arguments  and  con- 
siderations more  to  lay  before  your  Excel- 
lency, as  to  the  cause  of  our  discontent,  as 
well  as  to  the  cause  of  our  late  actions  your 
Excellency  denominates  illegal. 

The  alteration  of  jurisdiction,  in  1764, 
could  not  effect  private  property.  Surely 
his  Majesty  by  this  alteration,  did  not  pur- 
pose to  take  away  the  personal  properly  of 
a  large  number  of  his  loyal  subjects,  and 
transfer  it  to  other  subjects ;  the  English 
Constitutions  will,  by  no  means,  admit  of 
this,  for  the  transferring  or  alienation  of 
property  is  a  sacred  prerogative  of  the  true 
owner. — Kings  and  Governors  cannot  inter- 
meddle therewith.  Furthermore,  your  Ex- 
cellency and  Council  must  needs  be  ac- 
quainted that  we  have  a  petition  lying  be- 
fore his  Majesty  and  Council,  for  redress  of 
grievances.  That  is  an  impartial  board ; 
pray  why  may  it  not  be  determined  here  ? 
For  the  very  identical  matters  in  dispute, 
are  now,  and  for  several  years  past  have  been 
lying  before  that  Court,  except  the  accusa- 
tions of  riotousness,  disorderly,  kc.  which  is 
improved  as  a  handle  to  subvert  property, 
and  that  only. 

Furthermore  in  the  time  of  Sir  Henry 
Moor's  administration,  his  Majesty  was  pleas- 
ed to  lay  the  government  of  JVew-York,  un- 


*i 


:i;i 


V 


» ■ ; 


! 


r.,-1 


/  > 


A 


"I  i 


.11 


■i!? 


■  I 


28 


MCIilOIIl   OF 


der  absolute  prohibition  not  to  grant  ar  pa- 
tent any  of  the  lands  antecedently  granted 
under  tne  great, seal  of  the  province  o^  New- 
Hampshire  ;  and  furthermore  forbid  the  gov- 
ernment to  disturb  or  molest  the  settlers. — 
This  rightly  understood,  amounts  to  a  su- 
irercedeas  over  the  authority  of  common 
Law,  and  absolutely  controuJs  the  cognizance 
thereof.  As  to  the  particular  matters  in 
the  prohibition  set  forth,  or  matters  lying 
before  his  Majesty  by  petition,  the  import 
of  the  prohibition  must  needs  be  thus,  name- 
ly:  that  hi«  M'ajesty  by  it  informs  the  gov- 
ernment of  JS'ew-York^  that  he  has  taken- 
the  controversy,  to  him  made  known  by  pe- 
tition, under  his  royal  consideration,  and 
that,  after  due  information  and'  evidence  of 
the  state  of  the  case,  determines  to  settle 
the  controversy;  consequently  forbids  the 
government  taking  cognizance  thereof;  and 
common  sense  teaches  us  that  under  such 
prohibition,  if  a  judgment  at  common  law 
be  supposed  to  be  valid,  it  would  invalidate 
the  authority  of  the  crown,  and  subvert  and? 
overthrow  the  authority  ofthe  kingdom,  as 
it  would  render  the  prohibitions  of  the  crown 
perfectly  impertinent.  Therefore,  common 
law  in  the  case  before  us,  is  not  clothed 
with  cognizance  of  this  case,  much  less 
with  authority  to  dispossess  us;  consequent- 
ly, every  party  ©f  men,,  that  have,,  with  ofr 


rr 


ii 


.. « 


1  Vi 


COL.    ETHAN    ALLEN. 


» 


ficers,  or  otherwise,  come  into  these  parts  to 
dispossess  us,  came  in  open  defiance,  and 
direct   opposition  to  his  Majesty's  orders 
and  authority;    and  though  they  style  us 
rioters,  for    opposing  them,  and  seek  to 
catch  and   punish  us   as  such ;  yet,  in   re- 
aUty,  themselves  are  the  rioters,  the  tumult- 
uous, disorderly,  stimulating  faction,  or,  in 
fine,  the  land-robbers;    and   every   violent 
act  they  have  done  to  compass  their  de- 
signs, though  ever  so    much  under  pre- 
tence of  law,  is,  in  reality,  a  violation  of 
law,  and  an  insult  on  the  constitution,  and 
authority  of  the  crown,  as  well  as  to  many  of 
us,  in  person,  who  have  been  great  sufferers 
by  such  inhuman  exertions  of  pretended  le- 
gality of  law. — Right  and  wrong  are  eternal- 
ly the  same,  to  all  periods  of  time,  places 
and  nations ;  and  colouring  a  crime  with  a 
specious  pretence  of  law,  only  adds  to  the 
criminality  of  it;  for,  it  subverts  the  veryde-.^ 
sign  of  law,  prostituting  it  to  the  vilest  pur- 
poses.   Can  any  man  in  the  exercise  of  rea- 
son, make  himself  believe  that  a  number  of 
Attorneys  and  other  gentlemen,  with  all  their 
tackle  of  ornaments,  and  comphments,  and 
French  finesse,  together  with  their  boasted 
legality  of  law  ;  that  these  gentlemen  have 
just  right  to  the  lands,  labours  and  fortunes 
of  the  New^Hampshire  settlers  ?    Certainly 
they  cannot.    Yet,  this  is  the  object  in  view, 
by  this  mercenary  fraternity. 

3* 


A 


\ 


i 

•i  ! 


,   1.' 

* 

f  > 


,1 

;r 


1 


M 


ir. 


^r' 


I    Ml 


i; 


# 


4..: 


30^ 


MEMOIR   or 


We  do  not  suppose,  may  it  please  your  Ex- 
eellency,  we  are  making  opposition  to  a  gov- 
ernment, as  such  ;  it  is  nothing  more  than  a^^ 
paxty,.  chiefly  carried  on  by  a  number  of  gen- 
tlemen attorneys,  (if  it  be  not  an  abuse  to 
gentlemen  of  merit  t0>  call  them  so,)  who 
manifest  a  surprising  and  enterprising  thirst 
of  avarice,  after  our  coiintry :  but,  for  a  col-  - 
lection  of  such  intriguers,  to  plan  matters  of 

*  influence  of  a*  party,  so  as  eventually  to  be- 
come judges  in  their  own  case,  and,  thereby,, 
cheat  us  out  of  our  country^  appears  to  us 
so  audaciously  unreasonable  and  tyrannical,, 
that,;^  view  it  with  the  utmost  detestation 
and  indignation,,  and  our  breasts  glow  with  a 
martial  fury  to  defend  our  persons  and  for- 
tunes from  the  ravages  of  those  that  would 
destroy  us ;  butnotagainstyour  Excellency's 
persoa  or  government. 

We  are  fully  persuaded,  your  Excellency's 
ears  have  been  much  abused  by  subtle  and 
designing  men;;  for,  we  are  informed,  from 
credible  authority,  your  Excellency  has,  late- 
ly, made  application,  to  your  Assembly,  to 
raise  an-  armed  force  to  subdue  us,  but  that 
the  motion  was  negatived;  We  apprehend 
your  Excellency  views  us  as  opposing  your 
Excellency's  jurisdiction,  and  that  the  violent 
.  acts,  by  us  done,  was  in  rebellion  to  his  Ma- 

'  jesty's  authority,  or  your  Excellency  liad  n6v- 
er  proposed  the  subduing  of  L5  ;  we  are  mor- 


vl 


•f  ?: 


COL.   eTHTAN  ALLEN. 


2ft 


ally  certain,  we  can  convince  your  Excellen- 
cyr  that  it  is  not  sk)  ;.  but  that  on  the  other 
hand,  Messieurs  Duane^  Kempi,  and  their  as-* 
sociates,  are  the  a^ggressors. 

We  have  chosen  two  men  from  among  us^ 
viz :  Capt.  Stephen  Fau,  and  Mr.  Jonas  Fay^, 
to  treat  with  your  Excellency,  in  person ;  who,, 
we  hope,  will  answer  such  queries,  and  give* 
your  Excellency  the  satisfaction  you  hope  for. 

We  view  your  Excellency  as  our  Governor 
and  political  father,  and  hope  and  expect, 
from  the  sincerity  and  candor  of  your  Ex-- 
cellency's  letter,  you  will  be  friendly  and  fav- 
ourably disposed  towards  us,  when  your  Ex-- 
eellency,by  these  Hnes,per€eives  the  grounds 
of  our  discontent ;  for,  we  are  conscious  that  * 
our  cause  is  good,  and  that  it  was'  oppression* 
which  ha«  been  the  ground  of  our  discon— • 
tent,  and' that  self  preservation  hath,  hither- 
to, urged  us  to  the  measure  lately  taken. — 
And  w-e  now  earnestly  intreat  your  Excellen-  ' 
ey's  aid  and  assistance  to  quiet  us  in  our  pos— ' 
sessions  and  properties,  till-  his  Majesty,  in' 
his  royal  wisdom^  settle  the  controversy;    If 
your  Excellency  should  do*  this^  there  would 
be  an  end  to  riots;  so  called;  and  our  tongues 
unable  to  express  our  gratitude^  to  your  Ex-  - 
cellency  for  such  protection. 

Therefore,  relying'  on  your  Excellency's- 
great  wisdom  and  goodness,  as  members  of 
your  Government,  his  Majesty's  loyal  andi 


I ' ' 


'I    lA' 


.» 


'ill  I 


f! 


ii. 


r 


ittf 


«i 


!•'  '^, 


3» 


H^MOm   OF 


liege  subjects,  we  subscribe  ourselves  your 
Excellency's  ever  fkithful  and  humble  8e^• 
vants,  ETHAN  ALLEN, 

SETH  WARNER, 
REMEMBER  BAKER, 
ROBERT  COCHRAN. 
Upon  the  receipt  of  the  foregoing  commit 
nications,  Governor  Try  on  immediately  laid 
them  before  his  Council,  who  advised  that 
his  Excellency  should  afford  the  inhabitants 
of  those  townships  all  the  relief  in  his  pow- 
er, by  suspending,  until  the  pleasure  of  the 
King  should  be  known,  all  prosecutions  in 
behalf  of  the  crown,  on  account  of  the  crimes 
ijleged  against  them ;  and  recommend  to  the 
owners  of  the  contested  lands,  under  grants 
from  the  Province  of  New- York,  to  stay  all 
civil  suits,  in  relation  to  the  lands,  during  the 
same  period.  This  advice  met  the  approba- 
tion of  the  Governor,  who  communicated  it 
to  the  inhabitants  of  Bennington  and  the  vi- 
cinity. 

During  the  pendency  of  this  negociation, 
the  Green  Mountain  Boys,  urged  on  by  the 
numerous  wrongs  under  which  they  suffered 
by  the  poHcy  of  New-York,  proceeded  to  dis- 
possess a  number  of  settlers  on  Otter  Creek, 
who  held  their  lands  under  titles  from  New- 
York.  This  aggression  led  Gov.  Tryon  to 
address  a  letter  to  the  inhabitants  of  Ben- 
nington and  the  country  adjacent,  in  which 
he  expressed  his  ^^  high  displeasure  at  the 


i: 


COttf  E^FHAN   ALI.EN> 

breach  of  faith  and  honor"  of  ^  portion  of 
the  inhabitants,  in  dispodsessiiig  the  settlers  ' 
on  Otter  Creek  and  its  neighborhood,  c  heir 
possessions :  and  required  the  assistance  of 
the  people  "  in  putting,  forthwith,  those  famr 
ilies,  who  have  been  thus  dispossessed,  into 
re-possession  of  theilr  lands  and  tenements," 
To  this  letter,  the  following  was  address* 
ed  to  the  Governor  in  reply : 

**  Bennington,  Aug.  25,.  >772. 

To  His  Excellency^  William  Tryon,  jB^^.  &*c. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency, — Wc,  his  Ma- 
jesty's liege  and  loyal  subjects,  inhabitants  of 
Benninglon,  and  the  adjacent  coutttry,  have 
received  your  Exceflency's  letter,  of  the  11th 
of  August  inst.  by  which,  we  are  informed  of 
your  Excellency's  high  displeasure  towards 
us,  by  reason  of  a  body  of  our  people's  dis- 
possessing several  settlers  on  Otter  Creek,  and 
its  neighbourhood,  of  their  possessions,  du- 
ring the  very  time  our  Messengers  attended 
on  your  Excellency,  aX  JVcw-York,  and  were 
waiting  the  determination  of  government,  on 
our  petition,  that  we  might  remain  unmolest- 
ed in  our  possessions,  till  the  King's  pleasure 
could  be  obtained.  Your  Excellency  further 
informs  us,  that  you  look  on  our  late  pro- 
ceedings with  great  .concern,  viewing  them 
as  daring  insults  to  government,  a  violation 
of  public  faith,  and  the  conditions  granted  to- 
our  petition.    Wa  would,,  with  proper:  aub»; 


y> 


.  • 


;-f 


•A  I 


f 


^y 


:  ■l 


■:.! 

i 

■i 


m 


34 


MEMOIR   or 


M'l 


i|3 


,** 


mission,  give  your  Excellency'  and  Couticil,  a 
short  narrative  of  facts,  with  a  few  reflections 
and  reasons  thereon. — And, 

First,  we  would  observe,  that  our  Mes- 
sengers your  Excellency  styles  Commission- 
ers, were  not  authorized  to  establish,  and 
complete  articles  of  public  faith  for  their  con- 
stituents. The  business  assigned  them,  was 
to  deliver  the  written  petition,  and  inform 
your  Excellency  and  Council  of  the  facts  of 
the  controversy  subsisting,  and  further  nego- 
tiate and  forv^ard  the  matter  of  our  petition, 
and  return  to  us  the  determination  of  gov- 
ernment, reserving  to  ourselves  the  power  of 
assenting  to,  or  dissenting  therefrom;  though 
true  it  is,  when  the  articles  of  amicable  set- 
tlement, or  order  of  government  was  read  at 
a  pubhc  meeting  held  at  Bennington,  on  the 
15th  day  of  July  ult.  the  said  order  and  pro- 
posals were  universally  complied  with  by 
those  present :  from  which  time,  we,  reason- 
ably, compute  the  date  of  public  faith,  and 
sacred  bond  of  friendship.  But  in  the  inte- 
rim the  conditions  of  faith  were  forming,  and 
before  a  ratification  thereof,  Mr,  Kockburn,  a 
noted  surveyor,  unknown,  (as  we  suppose,) 
to  your  Excellency  and  Council,  by  the  con- 
trivance, aid  and  employ  of  certain  monopo- 
lizing adversaries  of  our's,  took  a  tour  to  the 
Northerly  parts  of  the  JVew  Hampshire  grants, 
to  survey,  and  make  locations  on  our  land. 
Such  locating  we  view  as  a  manifest  plan, 


\ 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLE!f 


.15 


and  intention  of  invading  our  property — the 
same  as  intrenching  round  a  city,  portends  a 
8ic<?e  thereof. 

Our  people,  having  notice  of  Mr.  Kock- 
bum's  intrusion  on  our  borders,  ralHed  a  small 
party,  and  pursued,  and  overtook  Jiim  and 
his  party ;  and  in  their  pursuit,  passed  the 
towns  of  Panton  and  JVcw  Haven,  pear  tho 
mouth  of  Otter  Creek ;  dispossessed  Col. 
Reed  of  a  saw  mill,  in  said  Panton,  which,  by 
force,  and  without  colour,  or  even  pretence 
of  recourse  to  law,  he  had  taken  from  tho 
original  owners  and  builders,  more  than 
three  years  before,  and  did,  at  that  same  time 
extend  his  force,  terrors  and  threats  into  the 
town  of  Mew  Haven  ;  who,  by  the  vicious 
and  haughty  aid  of  Mr,  Benzcll,  the  famed 
Engineer,  with  a  number  of  assistants  under 
their  command,  so  terrified  the  inhabitants, 
(which  were  about  twelve  in  number,)  that 
they  left  their  possessions  and  farms  to  the 
conquerors,  and  escaped  with  the  skin  of 
their  teeth,  although  they  had  expended  large 
sums  of  money  in  cutting  roads  to,  and  set- 
tling in,  that  new  country,  as  well  as  fatigued 
and  laboured  hard  in  cultivating  their  farms. 
Col.  Reed,  at  the  same  time,  and  with  the 
same  force,  did  take  possession  of  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty  saw  logs,  and  fourteen  thou- 
sand feet  of  pine  boards,  which  boards  were 
made  in  the  same  mill,  and  all  lying  thereby ; 
all  which  he  converted  to  his  own  use.    Not 


h 


<: 


it 


,v\ 


•1 


.  !■ 


?••( 


,;  * 


36 


M£MOTR   OF 


I 


,'t'i 


1  M(r' 


I 


long  after,  the  original  proprietors  oftho  said 
eaw  mill  did  re-enter,  and  take  possession 
thereof,  but  was,  a  second  time,  attacked  by 
Col.  lieed^s  steward,  with  a  number  of  armed 
men,  under  his  (supposed)  instructions,  and 
by  their  superior  force  and  threats,  obliged 
to^uit  the  premises  again — all  which  tene- 
ments, said  Reed  occupied  and  enjoyed  until 
dispossessed,  as  your  E^xcellcncy's  letter 
complains  of. 

But  to  return  to  Kockburn  again.  Our  par- 
ty, having  taken  him  as  aforesaid,  brought 
him  to  the  town  of  Casileton,  near  South  Bay^ 
where,  being  first  informed  of  your  Excellcn-  i 
cy's  clemency,  as  well  as  that  of  the  honora- 
ble Council,  in  granting  the  pray  er  of  our  pe- 
tition ;  and  in  conformity  to  the  articles  of 
settlement  agreed  on,  dismissed  him  on  hon- 
orable terms^ 

This  is  a  short  narrative  of  facts,  for  the 
proof  of  which,  sufficient  affidavits  can  be 
educed. 

We  are  apprehensive,  your  Excellency  has 
been,  hitherto,  unacquainted  with  these  facts, 
and  have,  therefore,,  exhibited  them  in  this 
letter ;  although  it  appears  strange  to  us,  ac- 
cording as  your  Excellency's  own  letter  states 
the  matter,  that  we  should  be  suspected  or 
taxed  with  violation  of  public  faith,  and  that 
our  disingenuous  and  dishonourable  viola- 
tion thereof,  hath  nullified  and  made  void  the 
late  amicable  settlement ;  for,  at  the  same 


COL.    ETHAN    ALLEN. 


37 


time  yoiir  Excellency  charges  us  with  breach 
of  faith  and  settlement,  the  very  prelimina- 
ries of  this  faith  were  not  known  on  our  part, 
and  consequently  could  not  have  been  com- 
plied with  ;  the  very  stipulations  and  faith 
spokiMi  of  did  not  then  exist;  for  it  must  he 
the  meeting  of  the  minds  of  the  contract- 
ing parties,  which  constitutes  such  faith 
and  agreement,  and  of  course  cannot  be 
broken  before  its  existence. 

Mr.  KockburtCs  locating  our  lands,  in  the 
mean  time  the  preliminaries  of  public  faith 
were  forming,  was,  at  least  as  much  a  breach 
of  that  faith,  as  what  we  are  charged  with. 
Nay,  according  to  our  conception  of  the 
matter,  more  so ;  as  he  made  the  first  move- 
ment towards  the  invasion  of  our  property. 

Soon  after  our  messengers  returned  from 
New  York,  and  read  the  Minutes  of  Council 
and  your  Excellency's  letter  of  compliance 
therewith,  to  a  large  auditory,  convened  at 
Bennington  for  that  purpose,  composed  of 
the  inhabitants  of  that  place,  the  adjacent 
country,  and  sundry  respectable  gentlemen 
from  the  neighboring  Provinces  ;  your  Ex- 
cellency's gracious,  wise,  and  benevolent 
proposals  for  settling  unity  and  concord  m 
our  part  of  the  Province,  were,  by  thcao 
present,  unanimously  applauded,  snd  con^, . 
ded  to  j  and  all  possible  public  testimonies 
of  honor  and  respect,  paiji  to  your  Excellen- 


^ 


ii 


'•r. 


i' 


.'v 


I  . 

'1    ' 


,1       »  ■• , 


W. 


% 


■  ■■',.  •  It 
■'>   ,  U 


'■\. 


■H:! 


j'li 


! 


li! 

ill 
H 

fii 


i 


I'M 


"/'il'^r 


% 


38 


I^EMOIR    Of 


(cy  and  Council,  by  sundry  discharges  of  can- 
non and  small  arms;  your  Excellency's 
health,  long  lite  and  prosperity,  as  well  as 
that  of  the  honorable  Council's,  was  the 
toast ;  your  nanie  coipnianded  reverence 
and  psjteen),  and  your  Excellency's  person 
in  particular,  became  precious  in  our  eyes. 

And  we  do  humbly  assure  vour  Excellen- 
cy  we  have  no  disposition  of  alienation  of 
affections  towards  jou,  or  knowingly  break 
any  article  of  public  faith. 

There  are  two  propositions  which  are  the 
objects  of  our  attention.  '■'  ^    "' 

Firstly;  The  protection  and  maintaining 
pur  property. 

And  secondly  ;  to  use  the  greatest  care 
and  prudence,  not  to  break  the  article  of 
public  faith,  or  insult  governmental  authority. 

These  two  propositions,  we  me^n  strictly 
and  religiously  to  adhere  to.  And  for  the 
more  explicit  knowledge  of  the  preliminaries 
and  conditions  of  public  faith  and  trust,  we 
would  inform  your  Excellency  and  Council, 
that  our  acceptation  of  those  conditions  on 
the  part  of  JVew-  York^  is,  that  they  make  no 
further  settlements  or  locations  on  our  lands, 
granted  under  the  great  ^eal  of  the  Province 
of  A^ew  Hampshire^  until  his  Majesty's  pleas- 
l^re  be  obtained,  as  to  the  validity  of  the 
grants.  Altho^igh  this  was  not  so  fully  ex- 
pressed, yet  we  s'jppose  it  was  implied  in  th« 


7'. 


^  ''fr' 


N;: 


>'  ■ ' 


,^. 


*•■ 


Col.  bthan  allek. 


39 


abstract  of  the  Minutes  of  Qoulicil }  if  it 
was  not,  we  pray  your  Excellency  and  Coun- 
cil would  undeceive  us  in  that  particular ;  for 
if  we  are  deceived  in  this,  then  on  this  hy- 
pothesis, your  Excellency  and  Council's  leni- 
ent and  friendly  disposition  towards  us  will 
not  for  the  future,  (by  us)  be  viewed  as  such ; 
for  such  location  and  settlements  on  our 
lands,  would  be  incompatible  with  friendship, 
and  a  manifest  infringement  upon  our  prop-* 
perty,  which  has  all  along  been  the  bone  of 
contention. 

The  last  part  of  your  Excellency's  letter 
to  us,  contains  a  requirement  of  our  immedi- 
ate assistance  in  repossessing  Col.   ReecV  $ 
tenants  of  said  tenements*     As  to  this  par- 
ticular, had  your  Excellency  have  known  by 
what  means  Col.  Reed  obtained  possession  > 
of  them  lands  and  tenements,  undoubtedly 
V05ir  Excellency  would  not  have  required  our 
assistance   m  repossessmg   him;    or    have, 
viewed  with  concern  our  dispossessing  him, 
as  a  daring  insult  to  government :    for  the 
case  rightly  understood,  it  appears  that  his 
conduct  was  a  daring  insult  to  government, 
and  continued  violation  of  more  than  three 
years,  of  the  laws,  restrictions,  regulations,  a 
and  economy,  both  of  God  and  man :  a  no-  ^ 
torious  breach  of  the  tenth  commandment 
of  the  decalogue,  which  says,  ^^Thou  shall  not 
covet ^''  8{c,    He,  coveting,  did  take  the  saw- 


U 


'*  I 


*    *;;'■ 


[• 


Jl' 


40 


^\ 


M^IMOm   OF 


i^ 


*v 


.ft.' 

^\4 


Ml; 


& 


*>nf' 


'i  'Si- 


mill,  logs,  boards,  and  also  the  lands,  laborSf 
possessions,  farms,  tenements,  &c.  &c.,  from 
the  rightful  owners,  proprietors,  and  first  oc- 
cupants thereof,  without  a  process  at  law,  as 
aforesaid,  to  their  exclusion  from  the  prem- 
ises more  than  three  years  ;  all  which  time 
he  has  been  enriching  himself  by  the  improve- 
ments of  their  estates ;  and  should  we  re- 
possess him  of  the  premises  again,  we  should 
become  co-partners  with  him,  in  his  wicked- 
ness. Such  an  act  we  could  not  reconcile  to 
our  own  consciences  ;  it  being  apparently 
immoral,  and  most  flagrantly  cruel  and  un- 
just. 

When  your  Excellency  and  Council  views 
these  facts  and  arguments,  we  humbly  con- 
ceive we  shall  not  be  required  to  repossess 
Col.  Reed  of  the  premises :  nor  do  we  ex- 
pect your  Excellency  and  Council  will  ad- 
judge us  to  be  violators  of  the  late  articles 
of  public  faith  :  all  which,  with  due  submis- 
sion, we  refer  to  your  Excellency  and  Coun- 
cil. 

And  we  do  now,  with  due  reverence,  ask 
the  favor  of  a  few  lines,  which  may  certify 
to  us,  the  determination  of  government,  rel- 
ative to  the  particulars  litigated  in  this  pa- 
per*; and  remain  your  ever  faithful  and 
most  obedient  humble  servants. 

*  No  answer  to  this  Gommiinicatioii  is  extant.    The 
negotiation,  probably,  terminated  here. 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


41 


At  a  general  meeting,  held  at  Manchester, 
on  the  27th  day  of  August,  1772,  by  the 
Committee  of  the  towns  of  Bennington,  Sun- 
derland, Manchester,  Dorset,  Rupert,  Paw- 
let,  Wells,  Poultney,  Castleton,  Pittsford  and 
Rutland ;  the  foregoing  answer  to  his  Excel- 
lency's letter  of  the  1 1th  inst.,  was  read  to 
the  said  committees,  and  the  vote  was  called 
by  Mr.  Nathan  Clark,  Chairman,  whether 
the  said  answer  be  approved  of  by  the  said 
Committees  ?  and  it  was  voted  in  the  affirm- 
ative.     Test,         ETHAN  ALLEN, 

Clerk  of  said  Committees!'^ 
The    settlers,    on    the    New-Hampshire 
Grants,  were  a  brave,  zealous  and  hardy  bo- 
dy of  men ;    and  the  numerous  wrongs,  to 
which  they  had  been  subjected  by  the  New- 
York  authorities,  had  led  them  to  a  firm  re- 
sistance in  defence  of  their  rights.    In  view 
of  the  British  act  of  prohibition,  heretofore 
referred  to,  the  government  of  New  York 
had  proceeded  to  convey  lands  occupied  un- 
der grants  from  royal  authority ;    and  the 
Albany  courts  had  uniformly  decided  in  fa- 
vor of  the  grantees  of  New-York.    Writs  of 
possession  having  been  issued,  and  every 
means  having  been  put  in  requisition  to  de- 
fraud the  settlers  of  their  just  rights,  they 
had  no  alternative  left  but  open  resistance. 
At  their  head  stood  Ethan  Allen — bold, 
even  to  desperation,  and  fitted,  in  every  re- 
spect, for  the  important  character  he  sustain- 

4* 


1  ■%  ■ 


'  I  4 


•i-'U. 


42 


MEMOIR   OF 


1  • 


III » 


m. 


i' 


a  I 


cd  in  the  drama.  The  settlers  uniformly 
confidently  relied  upon  his  skill,  his  zeal  and 
his  well  known  character  for  bravery,  for  the 
successful  termination  of  their  difficulties  ; 
and  their  confidence  in  him  was  increased 
by  the  measures  he  originated  and  carried 
into  eftect.  He  wrote  and  distributed  sever- 
al pamphlets,  addressed  more  particularly, 
to  the  feelings  of  the  settlers,  in  which  the 
injustice  of  the  New- York  government  was 
strongly  depicted,  and  the  proceedings  of 
the  Green  Mountain  Boys  triumphantly  vin- 
dicated ;  "and  contributed  much,"  says  the 
author  of  the  State  Papers^  "to  inform  the 
minds,  arouse  the  zeal,  and  unite  the  efforts 
of  the  settlers." 

The  inhabitants  of  Rutland  and  Benning- 
ton counties,  for  the  purpose  of  adopting  such 
measures  as  the  exigency  of  the  times  re- 
quired, formed  a  convention,  through  their 
delegates,  which  met  only  on  extraordinary 
occasions.  Among  other  measures  it  was 
decreed^  by  this  body,  "that  no  person  should 
take  grants,  or  confirmation  of  grants  un- 
der the  government  of  New- York."  It  was 
also  forbidden  "all  the  inhabitants  in  the 
district  of  the  New-Hampshire  Grants,  to 
hold,  take,  or  accept,  any  office  of  honor 
or  profit  under  the  Colojay  of  New- York,  and 
all  civil  and  military  officers  who  had  acted 
unider  the  authority  of  the  Governor  or  Le- 
gislature of  New- York,  were  required  to 


1 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN.  -         43 

suspend  their  functions  on  pain  of  being 
viewed,''^* 

These  decrees  were  rigidly  and  severely 
enforced :  the  more  common  mode  of  pun- 
ishment being  an  application  of  the  '^beach 
W."t  to  the  naked  back,  and  banishment 
from  the  settlements.  A  few  instances,  while 
they  may  serve  to  amuse,  will,  also,  shew  the 
spirit  which  actuated  the  settlers  in  punish- 
ing their  enemies :  A  certain  Doctor  A.  of 
Arlington,  was  a  warm  partizan  of  New- York; 
and  had  often  spoken  in  disrespectful  terms 
of  the  settlers  and  the  decrees  of  their  Con- 
vention. He  was  frequently  requested  to 
desist :  and  disregarding  these  requests,  "he 
was  carried,"  says  Allen's  History,  "to  the 
Green  Mountain  Tavern,  in  Bennington, 
where  the  Committee  heard  his  defence,  and 
then  ordered  him  to  be  tied  in  an  armed 
chair,  and  hoisted  up  to  the  sign,  (a  cata- 
mount's skin,  stuffed,  sitting  upon  the  sign 
post,  twenty-five  feet  from  the  ground,  vith 
large  teeth,  grinning  towards  New-Yoi  i^,) 
and  there  to  hang  two  hours  in  sight  of  the 
people,  as  a  punishment,  merited  by  his  en- 
mity to  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  people 
of  the  New-Hampshire  Grants.  The  judg- 
ment was  executed  to  the  no  small  merri- 
ment of  a  large  concourse  of  people.    The 

*  Allen's  History. 

f  So  called  in  allusion  to  the  great  seal  of  New- 
Hainpsliire. 


I- 


. 


•..I 


'  t 


'i^ 


r. ': 


■ 
« ' 


.1  i 


V 


1 


.1  i      I 

.1   ■    , 
■  I 

I  'I 


•>  i 


*i' 


li . 

i 


i  :    ,i! 

it 


.1  i 


irii 


I 


44 


MEMOIR   OF 


Doctor  was  let  down,  and  dismissed  by  the 
Committee,  with  an  admonition  to  go  and 
sin  no  more."  A  certain  Benjamin  Hough, 
was,  also,  punished  under  one  of  the  decrees 
of  the  Convention :  He  had  accepted,  and 
officiated,  in  the  office  of  Justice  of  the 
Peace,  under  the  authority  of  New  York ; 
and  being  arrested,  was  brought  before  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  at  Sunderland.  He 
offered  in  plea,  the  jurisdiction  of  New  York ; 
but  was  answered  by  the  decree  of  the  con- 
vention, which  forbid  all  persons  holding  any 
civil  or  military  office,  under  the  authority 
of  New- York.  The  following  judgment  was 
pronounced  against  him,  before  a  large  as- 
semblage of  people :  "That  the  prisoner  be 
taken  from  the  bar  of  this  Committee  of 
Safety,  and  tied  to  a  tree ;  and  there  on  his 
naked  back,  to  receive  two  hundred  stripes : 
his  back  being  dressed,  he  should  depart  out 
of  the  district;  and,  on  return,  to  suffer 
death,  unless  by  special  leave  of  Convention.** 

Notwithstanding  the  evidence  given  that 
the  Green  Mountain  Boys  would  not  submit 
to  the  terms  proposed  by  New- York,  the  au- 
thority of  that  state  did  not  relax  in  their 
exertions  to  render  them  submissive.  At  a 
session  of  the  general  assembly,  holden 
February  5th,  1774,  the  following  resolution* 
were  adopted : 

"1.  That  it  appears  to  this  Committee, 
that  there  at  present  prevails  in  part  of  th& 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN^ 


45 


county  o^  Charlotte^  afid  it  the  nofth-eftsterrt 
district  of  the  county  of  Albany,  a  danger- 
ous and  destructive  spirit  of  riot  and  licen- 
tiousness, subversive  pf  all  order  and  good 
government ;  and  that  it  has  become  an  in- 
tolerable grievance,  which  requires  inimedi-' 
ate  redress. 

2.  Resolved,  That  it  appears  to  this  Com- 
mittee^ that  many  acts  of  outrage,  cruelty, 
and  oppression  have  been  there  perpetrated 
by  a  number  of  lawless  persons,  calling  them- 
selves the  Bennington  mob,  who  have  seized, 
insulted,  and  terrified  several  magistrates 
and  other  civil  officers,  so  that  they  dare  not 
exercise  their  respective  functions  ;  rescued 
prisoners  for  debt,  assumed  to  themselves 
military  commands,  and  judicial  power; 
burned  and  demolished  the  houses  and  pro- 
perty, and  beat  and  abused  the  persons  of 
many  of  his  Majesty's  subjects ;  expelled 
them  from  their  possessions,  and  put  a  peri- 
od to  the  administration  of  its  justice,  and 
spread  terror  and  destruction  through  that 
part  of  the  country  which  is  exposed  to  their 
oppression. 

3.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this 
Committee,  that  the  complainants  before  this 
house,  and  others,  who  inhabit  part  of  that 
colony,  and  from  respect  to  government, 
will  not  countenance  or  be  concerned  in  the 
said  riotous  proceedings,  are  exposed  from 
the  violence  of  the  rioters,  to  iminent  dan- 


\( 


•  k 


i  ... 


1 


■h 


I  ■ 


V 


I''  1 


■v^ 


f 


\ 
.j 


■% 


■  .*  v 


r  1 


\.\ 


f   ',' 


liK 


m 


f 


i^:'.r 


!«(    t 


ifi 


I: 


^  MEMOIR    Of 

ffcr,  both  in  persons  and  properties ;  atid 
that  they  stand  in  need  of  immediate  protec- 
tion and  succoun 

4.  Resolved,,  That  it  appears  to  this  Com- 
mittee, that  Ethan  Allen^  Seth  Warner^  Remem* 
ber  Baker^  Robert  Cochran^  Peleg  Sunderiandj 
Syhanus  Brown^  James  Breakenrtdge^  and 
John  Smith,  are  principal  ring-leaders  of,  and 
actors  in  the  riots  and  disturbances  afore- 
said, and  that  it  is,  therefore,  the  opinion  of 
this  Committee,  that  an  humble  address  be 
presented  to  his  Excellency,  desiring  that  he 
would  be  pleased  to  issue  a  Proclamation, 
offering  a  reward  of  fifty  pounds  for  appre- 
hending and  securing  any  or  either  of  the 
persons  above  named,  in  his  Majesty's  gaol 
in  Albany ;  and  commanding  the  magistrates 
and  other  civil  officers  of  the  county  ofMatiy 
and  Charlotte,  to  be  active  and  vigilant  in 
suppressing  the  said  riots,  and  preserving 
peace  and  good  order,  as  well  as  for  bring- 
ing to  justice  the  perpetrators  and  authors 
of  said  riots. 

5.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this 
committee,  that  a  bill  be  brought  in,  more 
effectually  to  suppress  the  said  riotous  and 
disorderly  proceedings,  maintain  the  free 
course  of  Justice,  and  for  bringing  the  offen- 
ders to  condign  punishment.  Which  report 
he  read  in  his  place  and  afterwards  delivered 
it  in  at  the  table,  where  the  said  resolutions 
were  severally  read  a  second  time,  and  it  wa» 


COL.   ETHAN    ALLEN. 


47 


resolved  that  this  hou3c  doth  agree  with  the 
Committee  in  their  said  resolutions. 

Ordered^  That  a  bill  be  brought  in,  pursu- 
ant to  the  last  r':_.olution,  and  that  Mr.  Brush', 
and  Col.  2\n  Broeck,  prepare  and  bring  in 
the  same.  Ordered  that  Capt.  Delancy  and 
Mr.  ^F«//ow,  wait  on  his  Excellency  the  Gov- 
ernor with  the  foregoing  address  and  resolu- 
tions of  the  house." 

These  resolutions,  as  may  be  expected, 
created  much  excitement  among  the  settlers 
and  led  them  to  the  speedy  adoption  of  coun- 
ter measures.  A  general  meeting  of  the 
Committees  for  the  several  townships  on  the 
west  side  of  the  range  of  Green  Mountains, 
v/as  held  at  Manchester,  on  the  first  day  of 
March,  1774 :  at  which  the  grievances  of 
the  people  were  freely  discussed,  as  well  as 
the  extraordinary  proceedings  of  the  New 
York  Legislature.  In  the  conclusion  of  the 
answer,  adopted  by  the  meeting,  to  the  reso- 
lutions of  New-York,  it  was  resolved,  "that 
as  a  country,  we  will  stand  by  and  defend 
our  friends  and  neighbours,  indicted  as  riot- 
ers, at  the  expense  of  our  lives  and  fortunes;" 
and  "that,  for  the  future,  every  necessary 
preparation  be  made,  and  that  our  inhabit- 
ants hold  themselves  in  readiness  at  a  min- 
ute's warning,  to  aid  and  defend  such  friends 
of  ours,  who,  for  their  merit  to  the  great 
and  general  cause,  are  falsely  denominated 
rioters  ;  but  that  we  will  not  act  any  thing. 


,1    ;  > 

\ 


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M 


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ill 


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II 


"»»., 


48  *  MEMom  OF     ^  ; 

pior^  ojr  lees,  but  on  the  defensive  ;  and  al- 
ways encourage  due  executi/Dn  ollaw  in  civ- 
il cases,  and  also  in  criminal  prosecutions, 
that  are  so  indeed ;  and  that  we  will  assist, 
to  the  utmost  of  our  power,  the  officers  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose." 

On  the  9th  of  March,  and  previous  to  the 
time  the  proceedings  of  the  Manchester  Con- 
vention were  received,  the  General  Assenibly 
of  New  York,  proceeded  to  carry  into  eflect 
their  resolutions  of  the  5th  February,  and 
enacted  the  following  law : 

An  Act  for  preventing  tumultuous  and  riot- 
ous Assemblies  in  the  places  therein  men- 
tioned, and  for  the  more  speedy  and  efiect- 
ual  punishing  the  rioters. 
Whereas,  a  spirit  of  riot  and  licentiousness 
has,  of  late,  prevailed  in  some  parts  of  the 
.counties  of  Charlotte  and  Many*  and  many 
reacts  of  outrage  and  cruelty  have  been  per- 
petrated by  a  number  of  turbulent  men,  who 
assembling  from  time  to  time,  in  arms,  have 
seized,  insulted  and  men?iced,  several  magis- 
trates, and  other  civil  officers,  so  that  they 
ydare  not  execute  their  functions^— rescued 
prisoners  for  debt — assumed  to  themselves 
military  commands,  and  judicial  powers — 

^The  County  of  Albany,  it  jls  believed,  extended  to 

*  the  north  line  of  Manchester,  in  jthe  present  County  of 

.  Bennington  ;  the  territory  north  of  that,  on  the  lyestern 

>  side  of  the  mountains,  was  erected  in  a  separate  County, 

by  the  name  of  C^arlottf.-rVt^  State  papers. 


•I 


COL.   ETHAN    ALLEN. 


49 


burned  and  demolished  houaes  and  property, 
and  beat  and  abused  the  persons  of  many  of 
his  Majesty's  subjects — expelled  others  from 
their  possessions — and  finally,  have  put  a 
period  to  the  administration  of  justice  within, 
and  spread  terror  and  destruction  through- 
out, that  part  of  the  country  which  is  expos- 
ed to  their  oppression :  Therefore,  for  the 
preventing  and  suppressing  such  riots  and  tu- 
mults, and  for  the  more  speedy  and  effectual 
punishing  the  offenders  therein, 

] .  Be  it  enacted^  by  his  Excellency  the  Gov- 
ernor, the  Council,  and  the  General  Assem- 
bly, and  it  is  hereby  enacted,  by  the  authori- 
ty of  the  same.  That,  if  any  persons,  to  the 
number  of  three,  or  more,  being  unlawfully, 
riotously,  and  tumultuously  assembled,  with- 
in either  of  the  said  counties,  to  the  disturb- 
ance of  the  public  peace,  at  any  time  after 
the  passing  of  this  act,  and  being  required  or 
commanded,  by  any  one  or  more  justice  or 
justices  of  the  peace,  or  by  the  high  sheriff, 
or  his  under  sheriff,  or  by  any  one  of  the  cor- 
oners of  the  county,  where  such  assembly 
shall  be,  by  proclamation  to  be  made  in  the 
King's  name,  in  the  form  hereinafter  direct- 
ed, to  disperse  themselves,  and  peaceably  to 
depart  to  their  habitations,  or  to  their  lawful 
business,  shall,  to  the  number  of  three,  or 
more,  notwithstanding  such  proclamation 
made,  unlawfully,  riotously,  and  tumultuously 
remain  or  continue  together,  to  the  number 


W  r 

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50 


MEMOIR  Qf 


of  three  or  more,  afler  such  command  or  tet 
quest  made  by  proclamation,  shall,  for  every 
such  offence,  upon  conviction  thereof,  in  due 
form  of  law,  either  iQ  the  supreme  court  of 
judicature  of  this  cplony,  or  at  the  courts  of 
oyer  anc}  termii^cr,  and  general  gaol  delivery, 
or  §Lt  the  genera)  sessions  of  the  peace,  to 
bo  held  rcspectiyejy  in  and  for  the  said  cpuur 
ties  of  Many  and  Charlotte^  or  either  pf  them, 
suffer  twelve  monjths  imprisonment,  \yithout 
bail  or  mainprize,  and  such  f'lrther  corporal 
punishment  as  the  respective  ,c.ourts  before 
which  he,  she,  or  they,  shalf  be  .convicted, 
shall  judge  fit,  not  extending  tp  li/e  or  limb ; 
and  before  his  or  her  discharge,  ?\wi\  enter 
into  recognizance  with  two  sufficient  sure- 
ties, in  such  sum  as  the  said  courts  ^hall  res- 
pectively direct,  to  be  of  gpod  behaviour,  and 
keep  the  peace  towards  his  Majesty  and  all 
his  subjects,  for  the  term  of  three  years  from 
such  his,  her,  or  their  (Jisc?harge  out  of  prison. 
2.  Jlnd  be  it  further  enacted  hy  ilnQ  authority 
aforesaid,  That  the  order  .and  form  of  the 
proclaijiation  which  shall  be  made  by  the  a]ii- 
thority  [of  thi^  ^ct^  ^hall  be  as  hereaftier  fol- 
lows, that  i?  to  say :    The  justice  or  other 
person,  authorised  by  this  act  to  vi^^ke  Jthe 
said  proclamation,  shall,  among  the  ^aid  ri- 
,0ters,  or  as  near  them  ?ls  he  can  safely  cpme, 
Yf)^}  B.  loud  voice,  Aommand,  pr  cause  to  be 
commanded,  silence  to  be  kept  while  pr,ocla- 
mation  is  making ;  and  shall  then  pp^ol^ 


ii     li 


%'\ 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN^ 


51 


♦ 

Ivith  a  loud  voice,  make,  or  c^uso  to  tc  made, 
t)roclamation  in  these  wordfs,  or  to  the  hko 
effect :  Our  Sovereifrn  Lord  the  King^  charpt' 
eth  and  commandeth  all  persons  being  assembled^ 
immediately  to  disperse  themselves^  and  pcaccablij 
to  depart  to  their  habitations,  or  to  their  lawful 
business,  upon  the  pain  contained  in  the  act  made 
in  the  fourteenth  year  of  the  reign  of  Kin/^ 
George  the  third,  to  prevent  tumultuous  and  ri* 
ptous  assemblies.  Aiid  cvefy  stich  justice  or 
justices  of  the  peace,  sheriff,  under  sheriff  or 
coroner,  within  the  limits  of  the  respective 
counties,  where  they  reside,  are  hereby  au- 
thorised, empowered  and  required,  on  notice 
dr  knowledge  of  any  such  tmlawful,  riotous 
and  tumultuous  assembly,  forthwith  to  repair 
to  the  place  Where  sCich  unlawful,  riotous  and 
tumultuous  assembly  shall  be,  to  the  number 
of  three  or  riiore,  and  there  to  make  or  cause 
to  be  made,  proclamdtioni  in  manner  afore- 
said. 

3.  jinrf  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid.  That  if  any  person  or  persons  do, 
or  shall,  with  force  and  arms,  wilfully  and 
knowingly  oppose,  obstruct,  or  in  any  man- 
ner, wilfully  and  knowingly  let,  hinder  or  hurt 
any  person  or  pefrsons,  who  shall  begin  to 
proclaim,  or  go  to  pi'oclaimi,  according  to 
the  proclamation  hereby  directed  to  be  made, 
Whereby  such  proclamation  shall  not  be 
made  ;  that  then,  every  such  opposing,  let- 
ting, hindering  6t  hurting,  such  person  or 


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52 


MEMOIR   OF 


persons,  so  being  or  going  to  make  such  pro- 
clamation as  aforesaid,  shall  be  adjudged 
felony,  without  benefit  of  clergy  ;  and  thj^t 
the  offenders  therein,  shall  be  adjudged  fel- 
ons, and  shall  suffer  death,  as  in  cases  of  fel- 
ony without  benefit  of  clergy.  And  that  also, 
every  such  person  or  persons,  so  being  un- 
lawfully? riotously  and  tumultuously  assem- 
bled to  the  number  of  three,  as  aforesaid,  or 
more,  to  whom  proclamation  should  or  ought 
to  have  been  made,  if  the  same  had  not  been 
hindered  as  aforesaid,  shall,  in  case  they  or 
anv  of  them,  to  the  number  of  three  or  more, 
shall  continue  together,  and  not  forthwith  dis- . 
perse  themselves,  after  such  let  or  hindrance, 
having  knowledge  of  such  let  or  hindrance, 
shall,  likewise,  for  every  such  offence,  upon 
conviction  thereof,  in  mariner  aforesaid,  suf- 
fer the  same  pains  and  penalties  as  are  here- 
by inflicted  on  those  w^ho  shall  continue  to- 
gether to  the  number  of  three  or  more,  after 
they  shall  be  commanded  to  depart  to  their 
habitations,  or  lawful  business,  by  proclama- 
tion as  aforesaid. 

4.  ^nd  be  it  further  enacfed  by  the  authority 
aforesaid.  That  if  such  persons  so  unlawful- 
ly, riotously  and  tumultuously  assembled,  or 
any  three  or  more  of  them,  after  proclama- 
tion made  in  manner  aforesaid,  shall  contin- 
ue together,  and  not  forthwith  disperse  them- 
selves, it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  and  for 
every  such  justice  of  the  peacQ,  sheriff,  under 


»« 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


33 


BherifT,  coroner,  or  constable,  of  any  connty 
or  township  where  such  assembly  shall  be ; 
and  to  and  for  such  person  or  persons  as  shatt 
be  commanded  to  be  assisting  unto  such  jus- 
tice of  the  peace,  sheriff,  under  sheriff,  cor- 
oner, or  constable,  (who  are  hereby  author- 
ised and  empowered  to  command  all  his  Ma- 
jesty's subjects  of  age  and  ability,  to  be  aid- 
ing and  assisting  to  them  therein ;)  to  seize 
and  apprehend,  and  they  are  hereby  required 
to  seize  and  apprehend  such  persons  so  un- 
lawfully, riotously,  and  tumultuously  assem- 
bled together,  after  proclamation  made  as 
aforesaid,  and  forthwith  to  carry  the  persons 
so  apprehended,  before  any  one  or  more  of 
his  Majesty's  justices  of  the  peace  of  the 
said  counties  of  Charlotte  or  Albany^  in  order 
to  their  being  proceeded  against  for  such 
their  offences  according  to  law. 

And  that,  if  the  persons  so  unlawfully,  riot- 
ously and  tumultuously  assembled,  or  any  of 
them,  shall  happen  to  be  killed,  maimed,  or 
hurt,  in  the  dispersing,  seizing  or  apprehend- 
ing them,  by  reason  of  their  resisting  the  per- 
sons so  dispersing,  seizing,  or  apprehending, 
or  endeavouring  to  disperse,  seize,  or  appre- 
hend them ;  and  then,  every  such  justice  of 
the  peace,  sheriff,  under  sheriff,  coroner  or 
constable,  and  all  and  singular  persons  aiding 
and  assisting  to  them,  or  any  of  them,  shau 
be  freed,  discharged,  and  indemnified,  as  well 
ag[ainst  the  King's  Majesty,  his  heirs  and 

6* 


¥ 


t* 


^i'l 


'  4 


54 


MEMOIR  or 


I'i  f' 


m 


:.t 


■'♦-: 


guccessorg,  as  against  all  and  every  other 
person  or  persons,  of,  for,  or  concerning  the 
killing,  mauning,  or  hurting  of  any  such  per- 
son or  persons,  so  unlawfully,  riotously,  and 
tumultuously  assembled,  that  shall  happen  to 
be  so  killed,  maimed,  or  hurt  as  aforesaid. 

5.  J^nd  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
.aforesaid,  That,  if  any  person  or  persons, 
within  the  said  counties,  or  either  of  them, 
not  being  lawfully  authorised  a  judge,  justice 
or  magistrate,  shall  assume  judicial  power, 
or  shall  try,  fine,  sentence  or  condemn  any 
person  who  shall  either  be  absent,  or  shall 
unlawfully  or  forcibly  be  seized,  taken  or 
brought  before  him  or  them,  for  trial  or  pun- 
ishment ;  or  if  any  person  or  persons  shall 

,  aid  or  assist  in  such  illegal  proceedings,  or 
shall  enforce,  execute  or  carry  into  effect ; 
or  if  any  person  or  persons  shall,  unlawfully, 

.  seize,  detain,  or  confine,  or  assault  and  beat 
any  magistrate  or  civil  officer,  for,  or  in  the 
respect  of  any  act  or  proceeding  in  the  due 
exercise  of  his  function,  or  in  order  to  com- 
pel him  to  resign,  renounce,  or  surcease  his 
commission  or  authority,  or  to  terrify,  hinder 
or  prevent  him  from  performing  and  discharg- 

"  ingthe  duties  thereof;  or  if  any  person  or 
persons,  either  secretly  or  openly,  shall,  un- 
lawfully, wilfully  and  maliciously,  burn  or  de- 
stroy the  grain,  corn  or  hay,  of  any  other 
person,  being  in  any  inclosure ;  or  if  any 

;#.  persons,  unlawfully,  riotously,  and  tumultu- 


1 1 


COL«  CTHAN  ALLEN 


59 


oosIy  assembled  together,  to  the  diiturbanco 
of  the  pubhc  peace,  shall,  unlawfully,  and 
with  force,  demolish  or  pull  down,  or  begin, 
to  demolish  or  pull  down,  any  dwelling  house^ 
barn,  stable,  grist  mill,  saw  mill,  or  out  hous^, 
within  either  of  the  said  counties ;  that  then, 
each  of  the  said  offences,  respectively,  shall 
be  adjudged  felony,  without  benefit  of  clergy ; 
and  the  offenders  therein  shall  be  adjudged 
felons,  and  shall  suffer  death,  as  in  cases  of 
felony  without  benefit  of  clergy. 

6.  And  whereas  complaint  and  proofs  have 
been  made,  as  well  before  his  Excellency  thA 
Governor  and  Council,  as  before  the  Gener- 
al Assembly,  That,  Ethan  Men^  sometime  of 
Salisbury^  in  the  colony  of  Connecticut^  but 
late  of  Bennington,  in  the  county  of  Albany^ 
yeoman  ;  Seth  Warner,  late  of  Bennington^  m 
said  county,  yeoman  ;  Remember  Baker,  lata 
of  Arlington,  in  the  said  county,  yeoman ; 
Robert  Cochran,  late  of  Rupert,  in  the  county 
of  Charlotte,  yeoman ;  Peleg  Sunderland  and 
Sikanus  Brown,  late  of  Socialborovgh,  in  the 
same  county,  yeomen  ;  James  Brackenridge, 
late  of  Wallmnschack,  in  the  county  o^  Albany, 
yeoman ;  and  John  Smith,  late  of  Socialbo^ 
rough,  yeoman ;  have  been  principal  ring- 
leaders of,  and  actors  in,  the  riots  and  dis- 
turbances aforesaid;  and  the  general  as- 
sembly have,  thereupon,  addressed  his  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor,  to  issue  a  proclama- 
tion offering  certain  rewards  for  apprehend-  * 


4 


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■»!<'i 


I;  !. 


in0  and  seeurifig  the  dciid  ofTendeti^,  fttid  fof 
bringing  them  and  the  other  plerpetrators  and 
authors  of  the  riots  to  justice  2  And  foras- 
much as  such  disorderly  practices  are  highly 
criminal  and  destuctive  to  the  peace  and  set- 
tlement of  the  country,  arid  it  is  indispensa- 
bly necessary  for  want  of  process  to  outlaws 
ry,  (which  is  not  used  in  this  colony)  that 
special  provision  be  made  for  bringing  such 
offenders,  in  future,  to  trial  and  punishment, 
without  exposing  the  colony  to  the  expense 
of  extraordinary  rewards  and  bounties  for 
apprehending  such  offenders. 

Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  afore- 
said. That  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to,  and 
for,  his  Excellency  the  Governor,  or  the  Gov- 
ernor and  Commander  in  Chief,  for  the  time 
being,  by,  and  with,  the  advice  of  the  Coun- 
cilj  as  often  as  either  of  the  above  named 
persons,  or  any  other  person,  shall  be  indict- 
ed in  either  of  the  counties  aforesaid,  for  any 
offence  perpetrated  after  the  passing  of  this 
act,  made  capital  by  this  or  any  other  law, 
or  where  any  person  may  stand  indicted  for 
any  of  the  offences  above  mentioned,  not 
made  felony  by  this  act,  to  make  his  order  in 
council,  thereby  requiring  and  commanding 
fuch  offender  or  offenders  to  surrender  them- 
ielves,  respectively,  within  the  space  of  sev- 
enty days  next  after  the  first  publication 
thereof,  in  the  JVew  York  Gazette  and  Weekly 
Mercury,  to  one  of  his  Majesty's  justices  of 


V 


r,\   :'f 


COL.   irtHAN   ALLtft^ 


fit 


the  peace,  for  either  of  the  sai^  c6tinties,  v^ 
•pectively,  who  are  hereby  f  eqnired,  thereup- 
on, to  commit  him  or  them,  without  bail  oi^ 
mainprize,  to  the  gaol  of  the  city  of  JVeta 
York,  or  of  the  city  and  county  of  Many,  to 
the  end  that  he  or  they  may  be  forth  coming 
to  answer  the  offence  or  offences  wherewitn 
he  or  they  shall  stand  charged,  according  to 
the  ordinary  course  of  law  ;  which  order  the 
clerk  of  his  Majesty's  Council,  or  his  deputy^ 
shall  cause  forthwith  to  be  printed  and  pub- 
lished, in  eight  successive  papers,  of  the  JVcW 
York  Gazette  and  Weekly  Mercury  ;  the  twoi' 
first  of  which  to  be,  forthwith  transmitted  to 
the  sheriffs  of  the  counties  of  Albatiy  and 
Charlotte  ;  and  the  said  sheriffs,  respectively^ 
jshall,  within  six  days  after  the  receipt  thereoff 
cause  the  same  printed  orders  to  be  affixed 
upon  the  door  of  the  court  house  of  the  coun-' 
ty  ofJtlbany,  and  upon  the  door  of  the  dwell- 
ing house  of  Patrick  Smithy  Esq.<  where  the? 
courts  are  now  usually  held,  for  the  said 
county  of  Charlotte,  and  upon  the  doors  of 
two  other  public  houses  in  each  of  their  re-^ 
spective  counties.    And  in  case  the  said  of* 
fenders  shall  not  respectively  surrender  them-* ' 
selves,  pursuant  to  such  orders  of  his  Excel- 
lency the  Governor,  or  of  the  Governor  and 
Commander  in  Chief,  for  the  time  being,  to 
be  made  in  Council  as  aforesaid ;  he  orthey^ 
so  neglecting  or  refusing  to  surrender  himself 
or  themselves  as  aforesaid,  shall,  from  the 


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Mil 


t' 


6ky  to  be  a;f)pc)inted  foi"  Ms  o^  tieir  sto'etftfrjr 
as  alforesaid,  be  adjudged,*  deemed,  and  (if 
^dieted  for  a  Capital  offence^  hereafter  to  bfe 
perpetrated)  to  be  convicted  and  attainted 
of  felony,  &hi  shall  suffei"  deatth,  as  in  cases 
of  persons  convicted  and  attainted  of  felony, 
by  verdict  and  jadgmeitt,  without  btenefit  of 
clergy ;  and  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful 
to  arid  for  the  supreirie  court  of  judicature  of 
this  colony,  or  the  counts  of  oyer  and  termi- 
ner, or  general  ga;ol  delivery,  for  the  respec^ 
live  counties  aforesaid,  to  award  execution 
against  ^uch  offender  or  offenders,  so  indict- 
ed for  a  capital  offence',  perpetrated  aft^r  th<^ 
passing  of  this  act,  in  such  ntanrier  as'  if  he 
or  they  had  been  convicted  or  attainted  iA 
the  said  supreme  courts  of  judicature,  or  be- 
fore such  courts  of  oyer  aftfd  terfniner,  or 
general  gaoi  delivery  res{)ectivelj'.  And  if 
any  offender,  being  indicted  for  a  lesser  of- 
fence, under  the  degree  of  felony,  shall  hot 
surrender  himself  withiti  the  tirafe  fixed  by 
fiueh  order,  and  after  duch  notice  aforesaid, 
he  shall  thenceforth  be  deeifted  gailty  of  the 
offence  for  which  he  may  be  charged  by  siich 
indictment ;  arid  it  shall  be  lawful  for  th^ 
court  wherein  siiCh  indictment  is  found,  to 
proceed  to  pronotirice  such  judgment  against 
the  offender,  as  might  lawfully  be  done  if  he 
was  present  in  court,  and  convicted  in  the 
ordinary  course  of  law,  of  theCTime  where* 


w: : 


dCif 

obfe 

nted 

;a:ses 

lony, 

fit  of 

iwful 

ire  of 

ermi- 

spec^ 

;utioi!if 


6r  th6 
rifhd 
tedih 
or  be- 
er, ot 
^ndif 
;er  of- 
11  hot 
d  by 


)fthe 
stich 

►r  the^ 
id,  to 
rainst 
if  he 

In  the 
rhere- 


COL.  ETHA^  ALLE5. 


59 


wkh  he  shall  so  stand  ch^rge4  as  aforefi!fU(().  ' 
Provided  always, 

7.  jjnd  be  ii  further  emcted  by  the  same  au^ 
thority  aforesaid.  That,  if  any  person,  so  neg^ 
lecting  to  surrender  himself  »s  afor.es,aid» 
within  the  said  seventy  days,  shall,  at  any 
time  aftet,  surrender  himself  to  the  sh^efiff  of 
the  city  of  J^ew  York  or  AJhany^  px  of  the 
counti<^    A^    *chessoY  West^'cJer^lvfhoam 
to  receive,  and  safely  keep  such  .ofFenders) 
and  being  actually  yi  custody,  ^h^ll  exhibit 
rqasonable  proof,  io  the  satisfaction  of  tl^e 
judges  of  the  suprejEue  court  of  this  colony, 
or  either  of  them,  that  he  was  not  within  ei- 
ther of  the  said  counties  of  Cumberland  of 
Gloucester^  at  any  time  after  the  publication 
aud  notices  above  directeijl,  and  before  jsuch 
surrender  ^of  himself  as  aforesaid ;  then  such 
judg^  bjefore  whom  such  proof  is  made,  shaH, 
forthwith,  notify  the  same  in  writing,  to  the 
sheiuff  to  whom  any  warrant  of  execution  foi 
thcexecuting  such  ofrender,or  any  other  prx>- 
CQss  for  any  lesser  punishment  hath  been)  or 
may  be  issued ;  cind  thenceforth,  such  prison- 
er or  offender  shall  not  be  liable  to  suffer 
death  or  any  other  punishment  for  not  sur- 
rendering himselfr-Provided  also,  that  no- 
thing in  this  act  contained  shall  be  construed 
to  exempt  any  offender,  so  surrendering  him* 
self  afler  the  seventy  days  as  aforesaid  from 
any  punishment  to  avhich  he  may  be  liable, 
fOf  any  other  ^ijgcM?  ihm  ft>;  pot  sju^rendering 


Ai 


if      ." 

'!  ••   4 


W 


>i,  :/ 


I 

!   ■  '  t  •fill' 


,'  ^ 


■II 


mi 


■i     -  h  f    1 


y  Ii 


my 


<» 


IMGMOIR   or 


htmself  within  the  i^aid  seventy  days  as  afore- 
isaid  ;  npr  to  deprive  any  person  who  shall 
fio  surreuder  himself  withi^n  the  seventy  days, 
from  being  bailed,  in  cases  where  he  shall  be 
bailable  by  law  ;  any  thing  herein  contained 
to  the  contrary  thereof,  in  any  wise,  notwith- 
standing. 

8.  jind  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  same  au- 
thority aforesaid,  That  all  and  every  person 
and  persons  who  shall,  after  the  expiration 
of  the  tinje  to  be  appointed,  as  aforesaid,  for 
the  surrender  of  the  respective  oftbnders 
herein  before  named,  harbour,  receive,  con- 
ceal, abet,  or  succour  such  offender  or  of- 
fenders, knowing  him  or  them  to  have  been 
required  to  surrender  him  or  themselves  by 
such  order  or  orders  as  aforesaid,  and  not  to 
have  surrendered  pursuant  thereto,  shall,  up- 
on conviction  thereof,  in  due  form  of  law,  suf- 
fer the  same  pains  and  penalties  as  are,  by 
this  act,  inflicted  on  those  who  shall  continue 
together  to  the  number  of  three  or  more,  af- 
ter they  shall  bfe  commanded  to  depart  to 
their  habitation  or  lawful  business,  by  procla- 
mation as  aforesaid* 

9.  And  whereas  the  said  county  of  Chaf' 
lotte,  hath  but  lately  been  set  off  from  the  said 
county  of  Albany^  and  there  is  yet  no  gaol  or 
court  house  erected  within  the  same ;  and  a 
great  part  of  the  said  county  being  involved 
in  a  state  of  anarchy  and  confusion,  by  reason 
of  the  violent  proceedings  of  the  aforesaid 


/ 


iMiiqMi  I '  ">i"' 


'T 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEK. 


61 


riotous  and  .Usorderly  people,  from  whence 
it  must,  at  present,  be  extremely  difficult,  if 
not  impracticable,  to  bring  offenders  to  jus- 
tice within  the  said  county. 

Be  tt  therefore  further  enacted  by  the  author- 
ity aforesaid,  Ihat  all    treasons,  felonies, 
crimes,  misdemeanors  and  offences  whatso- 
ever, at  any  time  hereafter  to  be  committed 
or  perpetrated,  within  the  said   county  of 
C'/iar/o/Zc,  shall  and  may  be  proceeded  against 
and  presented  by  any  grand  jury  for  the  coun- 
ty oi  Albany^  from  time  to  time,  to  be  impan- 
nelled  and  sworn  at  any  court  of  criminal  ju- 
risdiction to  be  held  in  and  for  the  said  coun- 
ty of  .^/6Gnj/ ;  who  shall  and  may  chtirge  any 
of  the  said  offences  to  have  been  committed 
in  any  part  of  the  said  county  of  Charlotte  ; 
and  all  indictments  so  found  by  them,  shall 
"be  adjudged  to  be  good  and  valid,  notwith- 
standing that  the  place  of  perpetrating  any 
of  the  said  offences  be  in  the  said  indictments 
alleged  to  be  out  of  the  said  county  of  Al- 
ham ;  and  all  such  oflences  and  oflenders 
which  shall  be  presented  or  indicted  as  afore- 
said, shall  and  may  be  tried  within  the  coun- 
ty o^  Albany^  and  by  a  jury  thereof,  and  there 
heard,  determined,  and  punished  in  the  same 
manner  and  as  if  such  treason,  felony,  crime, 
misdemeanor  or  offence,  had  arisen  and  been 
perpetrated  within  the  said  county  of  Albany, 
iO.  Provided  always,  and  be  it  further  en* 

acted,  That  if,  at  any  time  hereafter,  the  jus- 

6 


.i 


H 


1    ,    ••' 


■ , 


1l! 


1 


i«     « 


I!    ..'f 


'U      '   f 


If 


^' 


1-    ,    .. 


il 


#i 


4 


t  4. 


V 


T--  »m  m  in 


■;flB^i.^'^:- 


rTT- 


-TTT 


Ht' 


M 


II  I 


I  i'.- 


.U'„|1 


^JP  MEMOIR   OF 

ticcs  to  be  appointed  for  holding  courts  of 
oyer  and  ternainer,;and  general  gaol  delivery 
for  the  said  county  of  Charhtte^  in  cases  cog- 
nizable before  thorn,  or  the  justices  of  the 
general  sessions  of  the  peace  for  the  said 
county  of  Charlotte^  in  cases  cognizable  be- 
fore theiu,  shall  conceive  that  any  prisoner 
or  offender  may  be  safely  brought  to  justice 
within,  and  by  a  jury  of,  the  said  county  of 
Charlotte^  that  then,  it  shall  and  may  he  law- 
ful to  and  for  each  of  the  said  courts  respec- 
tively, to  proceed  against,  and  try,  such  pris- 
oner or  oflender,  having  lawful  cognizance 
of  his  cause,  within,  and  by  a  jury  of,  the  said 
county  of  Charlotte ;  and  him  there  to  acquit 
or  to  sentence,  condemn,  and  punish,  as  the 
law  directs;  any  thing  in  this  act  to  the  cour 
tr,ary  thereof  notwithstanding. 
"  1 1.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  author- 
ity aforesaid.  That  this  act  shall  be  publicly 
read  in  every  court  of  general  sessions  of  the 
peace,  to  be  held  in  each  of  the  said  coun- 
ties of  Albany  and  Charlotte  respectively. 

12.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  author- 
ity afpr^esaid.  That  this  act  shall  remain  and 
continue  in  full  force  and  effect,  from  the 
passing  thereof,  until  the  first  day  of  January, 
which  will  ho  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy  six." 

The  passage  of  the  foregoing  law,  blasted 
every  prospect  of  amity  or  peace  betweei^ 
the  beUigerents — the  Green  Mountain  Boys 


Col.   ETHAN   ALLIlJf. 


63 


Regarding  it  as  an  act  to  teirify  them  into 
submission  to  unjust  and  arbitrary  measures. 
Under  this  impression,  therefore,  the  threats 
were  regarded  with  contempt ;  and  only 
served  to  rivet,  still  closer,  their  attachment 
to  the  position  they  had  assumed.  As  an 
evidence  of  this,  we  find  the  following  Re- 
monstrance to  the  law^  signed  by  Ethan  ^^l- 
(erin  and  others,  "  which  presents,"  says  the 
State  Papers^  "  a  fair  specimen  of  the  views 
and  fechngs  of  the  great  body  of  the  New 
Hampshire  grantees,  at  this  trying  period." 

"  His  Ejtcellency,  Governor  Tri/on,-  in-  con- 
formity to  the  addresses  of  the  general  as- 
sembly of  the  colony  of  JYew'  York^  having, 
on  the  9th  day  of  March^  1774,  with  the  ad- 
vice of  his  Council,  issued  his  proclamation, 
offering,  therein,  large  sums  of  money  for  the 
purpose  of  apprehending  and  imprisoning 
the  following  persons,  viz  :  Ethan  jlkn^  Seth 
Warner^  Remember  Bakcr^-  Robert  Cochran^ 
Peleg  Sunderland^'  Sikanus  Broivn^  James 
Bracketiridge^  and  James  Smith, 

And  whereas  his  Excellency  the  Governor, 
by  the  same  proclamation,'  hath  strictly  en- 
joined and  commanded  all  magistrates,  jus- 
tices of  the  peace,'  sheriffs,  and  other  civil 
officers,  of  the  couiitieis  o(  Mbani/  atid  Char- 
/oZ/ie,  tb'  be  active  and  vigilant  ill  appfehelid- 
itig  and  imprisoning  the  pet-sons  above  nam- 
6d ;  and  we,  the  aforesaid  persons,  who 
&«¥e  hereunto  subscribed,  being  conscious 


44 


I  •^l 


V 


,' 


»' 


*  i'? 


it       :«■ 


I 


V! 

•  t 


V    ••  •  r  * 


I,   I 


,     « 


V'i 


;■.  r 


64 


MEMOIR   OP 


that  our  cause  is  good  and  equitable  in  the 
sight  of  God,  and  all  unprejudiced  and  hon- 
est men,  are  determined,  at  all  events,  to 
maintain  and  defend  the  same,  till  his  Majcg. 
ty's  pleasure  shall  be  known  concerning  the 
validity  of  the  New  Hampshire  grants.  And 
we  now  proclaim  to  the  public,  not  only  for 
ourselves,  but  for  the  Nev)  Hampshire  grant- 
ees, and  occupants  in  general,  that  the  spring, 
and  moving  cause,  of  our  opposition  to  the 
government  of  JVew  York,,  was  self  preser- 
vation, viz;  Firstly,  the  preservation  and 
maintaining  of  our  property  :  and  secondly, 
since  that  government  is  so  incensed  against 
us,  therefore  it  stands  us  in  hand  to  defend' 
our  lives  ;  for,  it  appears,  by  a  late  set  of 
la\\  s,  passed  by  the  legislature  thereof,  that 
the  lives  and  property  of  the  JVew  Hampshire 
settlers  are  manifestly  struck  at :  but,  that 
the  public  may  rightly  understand  the  essence 
of  the  controversy,  we  now  proclaim  to  those 
law  givers,  and  to  the  world,  that  if  the  JSew 
York  patentees  will  remove  their  patents  that 
have  been,  subsequently,  lapped  and  laid  on 
the  JVew  Hampshire  charters,  and  quiet  us  in 
our  possessions,  agreeable  to  his  Majesty's 
directions,  and  suspend  those  criminal  pros- 
ecutions against  us  for  being  rioters  (as  we 
are  unjustly  denominated)  then  will  our  set- 
tlers be  orderly  and  submissive  subjects  to 
government ;  but,  bo  it  known  to  that  des- 
potic fraternity  of  law  makers  and  law  break- 


COL.   ETHAN    ALLEN. 


65 


.ers,  that  wc  will  not  be  fooled  or  frighted  out 
of  our  property.  They  have  broke  over  his 
Majesty's  express  prohibitions,  in  patenting 
those  lands,  and  when  they  act  in  conformi- 
ty to  the  regal  authority  of  Great  Britain  it 
will  be  soon  enough  for  us  to  obey  them.  It 
is  well  known  by  all  wise  and  sensible  per- 
sons in  the  neighbouring  governments,  (that 
have  animadverted  on  the  controversy)  that 
their  pretended  zeal  for  good  order  and  gov- 
ernment, is  fallacious,  and  t^at  they  aim  at 
the  lands  and  labours  of  the  grantees  and 
settlers  aforesaid;  and  that  they  tsub/ert  the 
good  and  wholesome  laws  of  the  realm,  lo 
corroborate  with,  and  bring  about  their  v  iie 
and  mercenary  purposes. 

And,  inasmuch  as  the  malignity  of  their 
disposition  towards  us,  hath  flamed  to  an  im- 
measurable and  murderous  degree,  they  have, 
in  their  new  fangled  laws,  calculated  for  the 
meridian  of  the  JVew  Hampshire  grants,  pass- 
ed the  9th  of  March,  1774,  so  calculated 
them,  as  to  correspond  with  the  depraved- 
ness  of  their  minds  and  morals ; — in  them 
laws,  they  have  exhibited  their  genuine  pic- 
tures. The  emblems  of  iiwir  insatiable,  av- 
aricious, overbearing,  inhuman,  barbarous, 
and  blood  guiltiness  of  disposition  and  inten- 
tion is  therein  pourtrayed  in  that  transparent 
image  of  themselves,  which  cannot  fail  to  be 
a  blot,  and  an  infamous  reproach  to  them,  to 
posterity. — We  cannot  suppose,  that  every 


'  I . 


■'.1 


A 


1 


•    ■  >   i 
■  .« 


'I 


t'l^- 


■'^t 


',  (• 


li- 


'1^ 


\i\ 


I    I.    , 

lb' 


M 


,.■.  ^ 


J 


66 


MEMoin  or 


H' 


"!. 


itK  r 


■':kl . 


of  his  Majesty's  Council,  or  that  all  the  mtxt^ 
bers  of  the  general  assembly  were  active  in 
passing  so  bloody  and  unconstitutional  a  set 
of  laws.     Undoubtedly,  some  of  them  dis- 
approved thereof;  and  it  is  altogether  pos- 
sible, that  many  that  were  active  in  making 
the  law,  were  imposed  upon  by  false  repre- 
sentations, and  acted  under  mistaken  views 
of  doing  honor  to  government ;  but  be  thia 
as  it  will,  it  appears  that  there  was  a  major- 
ity.   And  it  has  been  too  much  the  case  with 
that  government,  for  a  number  of  designing 
schemers,  and  land  jockeys,  to  rule  the  same. 
Let  us  take  a  view  of  their  former  narrow 
and  circumscribed  boundaries,  and  how,  by  i 
that  legerdemain,  bribery  and  deceptions  of 
one  sort  or  other,  they  have  extended  their 
domain  far  and  wide.     They  have  wrangled 
with,  and  encroached  upon  their  neighbour- 
ing governments,  and  have  used  all  manner 
of  deceit  and  fraud  to  accomplish  their  de- 
signs :  their  tenants  groan  under  their  usury 
and  oppression ;  and  they  have  gained,  as 
well  as  merited,  the  disapprobation  and  ab- 
horrence of  their  neighbours;  and  the  inno- 
cent blood  they  have  already  shed,  calls  for 
heaven's  vengeance  on  their  heads ;  and  if 
they  should  come  forth  in  arms  against  us, 
thousands  of  their  injured  and  dissatisfied 
neighbours  in  the  several  governments,  will 
join  with  us,  to  cut  off,  &nd  extirpate  such  an 
•xecrable  race  from  the  face  of  the  earth ! 


<^L.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


67 


This  piece  is  not  supposed  to  contain  a  full 
answer  to  the  new  constructed  laws  aforesaid; 
for  such  a  large  two  year  old,  hath  never  be- 
fore been  seen  in  America,  it  being  of  an  enor- 
mous and  monstrous  birth ;  nor  is  it  supposed 
to  give  the  legislators  their  full  characters  : 
but  so  much  may  suffice  for  the  present.  To 
quote  the  laws,  and  make  remarks  thereon, 
would  be  matter  sufficient  for  a  volume:  how- 
ever, we  wBl  yet  make  some  short  observa- 
tions. 

1st.  Negatively,  it  is  not  a  law  for  the  Pro- 
vince of  J^ew  York  in  general,  but, 

2d.  Positively,  it  is  a  law  but  for  part  of 
the  counties  of  Charlotte  and  Jllbany,  viz  : 
such  parts  thereof  as  are  covered  with  the 
New  Hampshire  charters;  audit  is  well  known 
those  grants  compose  but  a  minor  part  of 
the  inhabitants  of  said  Province  ;  and  wo 
have  no  representative  in  that  assembly.-^- 
The  first  knowledge  we  had  of  said  laws,  was 
the  completion  of  them ;  which  informed 
us,  that  if  we  assembled,  three  or  more  of 
us  together,  to  oppose  (that  which  they  call 
legal)  authority,  we  shall  be  adjudged  felons, 
and  suffer  the  pains  of  death ;  and  that  same 
fraternity  of  plotters  knew,  as  well  as  we,  and 
the  generality  of  the  people  in  the  adjacent 
colonies,  that  they  have,  for  a  number  of 
years  last  past,  endeavoured  to  exercise  such 
a  course  of  what  they  call  law,  that  had  they 
iK>t  b^en  opposed  by  the  people  of  these 


^' 


U'    •■ 


' }' 


»,' 


fl'l. 


ii: 


]  . 


<     r 


il 


it: 

11 


|ffi 


J'    ( 


;l|',! 


1  I 


^■ 


1*, ' 


W 


VCMOII^    OF 


grafts  (called  the  mob)  in  the  executing  tlie 
same,  they  would,  before  this  time,  have  been 
in  possession  of  that  territory,  for  which  the 
laws  aforesaid  are  calculated;  TPhefefore, 
the  case  stands  thus :  If  we  oppose  civil 
officers,  in  taking  possession  of  our  farms,  we 
are,  by  these  laws,,  denominated  felons  y  or 
if  we  defend  our  neighbours  who  have  been 
indicted  rioters,  only  for  defending  our  prop- 
erty ;  we  are  likewise  adjudged  felons.  In 
fine,  every  opposition  to  their  monarchical 
government  is  deemed  felony,  and  at  the  end 
of  every  sentence,  there  is  the  word  death  1 
And  the  same  laws  further  impowered  the  re- 
spective judges,  provided  any  persons,  to  the- 
number  of  three,  or  more,  that  shall  oppose 
any  Magistrate,  or  other  civil  officer,  and  be 
not  taken,  that  after  a  legal  warning  of  sev- 
enty days,  if  they  do  not  come  and  yield 
themselves  up  to  certain  officers  appointed 
for  the  purpose  of  securing  them ;  then  it 
shall  be  lawful  for  the  judges  aforesaid,  to 
award  execution  of  death,  the  same  as 
,though  he  or  they  had  been  convicted  or  at- 
tainted before  a  proper  court  of  judicature, 
&c.  The  candid  reader  will,  doubtless,  ob- 
serve, that  the  diabolical  design  of  this  law, 
is  to  obtain  possession  of  the  JVew  Hampshire 
grants,  or  to  make  the  people  that  defend 
them,  out-laws,  and  so  kill  them  whenever 
they  can  catch  them. 
Tho?e  bloody  law-givers  know  we  ai^  ne- 


are 


tot.'  tTfUN   ALLE!^. 


69' 


eesditated  to  oppose  thfeir  execution  of  laW,- 
whore  it  points  directly  at  our  property,  or 
give  up  the  same :  but  there  is  one  thing  is 
matter  ofconsolationtousf,  viz:  that  printed 
sentences  of  death  will  not  kill  us  when  we 
are  at  a  distance ;  and  if  the  executioners 
approach  us,  they  will  be  as  likely  to  fall  vic- 
tims to  death  as  we  :  and  that  person,  or 
country  of  persons,  are  cowards  indeed,  if 
they  cannot,  as  manfully,  fight  for  their  liber- 
ty, property  and  life,  as  villains  can  do  to  de- 
prive them  thereof. 

The  J\'ew  York  schemers  accuse  us  with 
many  things  ;  part  of  which  are  true,  and 
part  not. — With  respect  to  rescuing  prison- 
ers for  debt,  it  is  fake.  As  to  assuming  ju^ 
dicial  powers,  we  have  wo/,  except  a  well  reg* 
ulated  combination  of  the  people  to  defend 
their  just  rights,  may  be  called  so.  As  to  form- 
ing ourselves  into  military  order,  and  assum- 
ing mihtary  commands,  the  Mew  York  pos- 
sies,  and  military  preparations,  oppressions, 
&c.  obliged  tts  to  it.  Probably  Messieurs  Du- 
ane,  Kemp^  and  Banyar^  of  N'ew  York^  wiH 
not  discommend  us  (or  so  expedient  a  prepa- 
ration ;  more  especially  since  the  decrees  of 
the  9th  of  Match^  are  yet  to  be  put  in  cxecu*- 
tion :  and  we  flatter  ourselves,  upon  occa- 
sion, we  can  muster  as  good  a  regiment  of 
marksmen  and  scalpers,  as  Aimrica  can  af- 
ford ;  and  we  now  give  the  gentlemen  above 
named,  together  with  Mr.  Brushy  and  Gol. 


•I 


.1^'^ 


'.!••  i 


.'M 


'4- 

'1 


■>A 


i 


■i. 


'i 


\A 


;  v!^ 


J! 


I 


'■■■I  > 

l-'l 


li 


I 


S  Iff 


I 


i»i» 


i:/l 


\    M'n) 


jif  . 


fli^iMfom  or 

Ten  Broeck^  and  in  fine,  all  the  land  jobbiE^fS^ 
of  New  York^  an  invitation  to  come  and  view 
tlie  dexterity  6f  our  regiment ;  and  we  can- 
not think  of  a  better  time  for  that  pnrpose, 
than  when  the  executioners  come  to  kill  us, 
by  virtue  of  the  authority  their  judges  have 
lately  received  to  award  and  sentence  us  to 
death  in  our  absence.  There  is  still  one 
itaore  notable  complaint  against  us,  viz  :.^ 
That  we  had  insulted  and  menaced  several 
magistrates,  and  other  civil  officers,  so  that 
they  dare  not  execute  their  respective  func- 
tions. This  is  /m,  so  far  as  it  relates  to  the 
niagistrates.  But  the  public  should  be  in-; 
formed,  what  the  functions  of  those  magis- 
trates are  :— they  are  comnlissioned  for  the 
sole  purpose  of  doing  lis  all  the  hatm  and 
mischief  they  possibly  can,  through  their  ad- 
ministration and'  influence;  and  that  they 
i^ight  be  subservient  to  the  wicked  desigiis  of 
the  JSfew  York  schemers.'  These  are  their 
functions  ;  and  the  public  lieed  no  further 
lf>roofthan  the  coilsideratiori  that  they  ate  the 
tools  of  those  extravagant  law-riiakers ;  and 
it  must  be  owiied,  they  acted  with  great  judg- 
ment, in  choosing  the  most  infernal  iiistru-^ 
I'nents  for  their  purposed 

Draco,  the  Athenian  laW-givisr,  Caused  a! 
nuihbef  of  laws,  (iiimiany  respects  analogous' 
to  those  We  have  teeri  speaking  Of,)'  to  be 
itriUen  in  blood.  But  our  moderii  t>rac6s  de^ 
lermine  to  have  their's  verified  in  bhoA  'thej 


ii; 


>COL.  QTHAN  ALLEN. 


n 


.wiell  know  we  shallfinQce  than. /^e^, nay, more 
^han  three  tii^fie^  tfyree  hundred^  assemble  to- 
gether, if  nqed  be,  to  inaintain  our  common 
cau^e,  tiJl  hie  Majesty  determines  who  shall 
be  and  remain  the  owners  of  the  land  in  conr 
test.  ^'  Wilt  not  thou  possess  thai  which  Che* 
mothf  thy  God^ giveth  thee  to  possess  .^"  So  will 
we  possess  that  which  the  Lord  pur  God 
(and  King)  giveth  us  to  possess. 

And  lastly,  we  address  ourselves  to  the 
people  of  the  counties  of  Mbany  and  Char- 
lotte^ which  iphabit  to  the  westward  of,  and 
are  situated  contiguous  to,  the  Mew  Hampr 
shire  muxits* 

Gentlemen^  Friends  and  JVeighbours^ 

Providejice  having  allotted  and  ^xed  the 
bounds  of  our  habit?itions  in  the  same  vicini- 
ty, which,  together  with  the  intercourse  of 
trade  and  commerce,  hath  formed  an  almost 
universal  acquaintance  and  tie  of  friendship 
between  us,  and  hath  laid  such  a  foundation 
of  knowledge,  that  your  people,  in  general, 
camiot  but  be  sensible  that  the  title  of  our 
land  is,  in  reality,  the  bone  of  contention  ; 
and  that,  as  a  people,  we  behave  ourselves 
orderly  ;  and  are  industrious,  and  honestly 
iiispofecd  ;  and  pay  just  deference  to  order 
and  good  government ;  and  that  we  mean  np 
more  by  that  which  ig  called  the  mob,  but  to 
defend  our  just  rights  and  property.  We  ap- 
pe^al  to  the  gentlemen  merchants,  to  inform 


\ 


V 


1,  -'M 


..''If 


t      .      t 


f. 


;   "V 


•■•li'  I 


i 


V    1  ■• 

'    ■  \ 


•'\ 


■  h 


»■ 
',  '■ 

■  i 


, 


% 


'4 


\    I 

i    f 


i»i» 


1/ 


^<\ 


{ 


72 


MBMOm  OP 


whether  our  people,  in  general,  do  not  exert 
themselves  to  pay  their  just  debts;  and 
whether  ever  they:  have  been^hindered  by  tlio 
country's  aiob,  in  the  collection  of  their  dues. 
But  as  the  magistrates,  sherifts,  under  sher- 
iffs, core  iicrs  and  constables,  of  the  respect- 
ive counties,  that  hold  their  posts  of  honour 
and  profit  under  our  bitter  enemies,  we  have 
a  jealousy,  that  some  of  them  may  be  induce 
ed  (to  recommend  themselves  to  those  on 
whom  they  are  dependent,  and  for  the  wages 
of  unrighteousness,  offered  by  proclamation) 
to  presume  to  apprehend  somo  of  us,  or  our 
friends  :  We  therefore,  advertise  such  oifi- 
cers,and  all  persons  whatsoever,  that  we  are 
resolved  to  inflict  immediate  death  on  whom- 
soever may  attempt  the  same.  And  provid- 
ed any  of  us  or  our  party  shall  be  taken,  and 
we  have  not  notice  sufficient  to  relieve  them, 
or  whether  we  relieve  them  or  not,  we  are 
resolved  to  surround  such  person  or  persons, 
whether  at  his  or  their  own  house  or  houses, 
or  any  where  that  we  can  find  him  or  them, 
and  shoot  such  person  or  persons  dead.  And 
furthermore,  that  we  will  kill  and  destroy  any 
person  or  persons  whomsoever,  that  shall 
presume  to  be  accessary,  aiding  or  assisting 
in  taking  any  of  us  as  aforesaid ;  for  by  thesa 
presents  we  give  any  such  disposed  person  or 
persons  to  understand,  that,  although  they 
have  a  license  by  the  law  aforesaid,  to  kill  us  / 
.and  m  ^^  indemfiification''  for  such  murdir, 


I  i! 


i 


nd 
[lio 
les. 
icr- 

our 
ave 

J  on 


COL.   ETHAN    ALLEN. 


73 


from  the  same  authority  ;  yet  they  have  no 
indemnification  for  so  doing,  from  the  greeti 
mountain  boys ;    for  our   lives,   liberties   and 
properties,  are  as  verily  precious  to  us,  as  to 
any  of  the  King's   subjects ;  and  we  are  as 
loyal  to  his  Majesty  or  his  government,  as 
any  subjects  in  the  Province :  but  if  the  gov- 
ernmental authority  of  JWw-York  will  judge 
in  their  Own  case,  and  act  in  opposition  to 
that  of  Great  Britain^  and  insist  upon  killing 
us,  to  take  possession  of  our  "vineyards"— 
come  on,  we  are  ready  for  a  game  of  scalp- 
ing with  them ;  for  our  i)iartial  spirits  glow 
with  bitter  indignation,  and  consummate  fu- 
ry, to  blast  their  infernal  projections. 
'  It  may  be,  the  reader  not  having  seen  the 
law  referred  to  in  this  piece,  and  not  being 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  long  and  spir- 
ited conflict  that  hath  subsisted  between  the 
claimants  under   JYew- Hampshire  and  JYew- 
York,  nor  of  the  progressive,  arbitrary  and 
monopolizing  disposition  of  the  court  party 
of  the  latter  of  those  Provinces ;  may  be  apt 
to  imagine  that  the  spirit  of  this  writing  is 
too  severe,  inasmuch  as  it  destines  whoever 
presumes  to  take  us  as  felons  or  rioters,  to 
immediate  death ;  but  let  the  wise  consider 
the  state  of  the  cause.. 

1.  Provided  we  on  our  part  be  taken,  we 
have  by  them  laws,  the  sentence  of  death  al- 
ready pronounced  against  us,  on  proviso 
more  than  three  of  us  assemble  together  to 

7 


./. 


4 


■A 


V 


*•! 


■a  ', 


n 


■.•;■, 


I 


\^ 


m 

iil  J...    « 


'■'•ii 


^  iM 


vf 


'  i 


i 


i> 


1'. 


1  i  -I 


w  \ 


t.  I 


4\i 


»{.: 


i.i:^' 


-:ii 


'in 


'I  ■■'' 


r!*^ 


74 


MEMOIR   or 


H,--4: 


maintain  and  defend  our  property,  till  his 
Majesty  determines  the  controversy,  And 
2.  May  it  be  considered,  that  the  legis- 
lative authority  of  the  Province  ofJVeW'York 
had  no  constitutional  right  or  power  to 
make  such  laws ;  and  consequently,  that 
they  are  null  and  void,  from  the  nature  and 
energy  of  the  English  constitution ;  therefore 
as  they  merit  no  place  among  the  laws  of 
the  realm  of  Great  Britain^  but  are  the  arbi- 
trary league  and  combination  of  our  bitter 
and  merciless  enemies,  who,  to  obtain  our 
property,  have  inhumanly,  barbarously,  and 
maliciously,  under  the  specious  and  hypocrit- 
ical pretence  of  legal  authority,  and  venera- 
tion for  order  and  government,  laid  a  snare 
for  our  lives  j  can  the  public  censure  us  for 
exerting  ourselves  nervously  to  preserve  our 
lives,  in  so  critical  a  situation  ?  Por,  by  the 
laws  of  the  Province,  into  which  we  are  un- 
fortunately fallen,  we  cannot  be  protected 
in  either  property  or  life,  except  we  give  up 
the  former  to  secure  the  latter ;  so  we  are 
resolved  to  maintain  both,  or  to  hazard  or 
Ipse  both. 

From  hence  follows  a  necessary  inferepce, 
That  inasmuch  as  our  property,  nay,  our 
lives,  cannot  be  protected  (but  manifestly 
struck  at)  by  the  highest  authority  in  the 
Province  to  which  we,  at  present  belong; 
therefore  in  the  interim,  while  his  Maji^ety  is 
4etermimng  the  controversy,  and  till  he  &hal| 


% 


tOL.   ETHAN  ALLEN. 


15 


interpose  his  royal  authority^  iihA  subject 
the  authority  aforesaid  to  their  duty,  or  re- 
annex  the  district  of  disputed  lands  to  the 
Province   of  JVew-Hampshire^  in  his  great 
wisdom^  and  fatherly  clemency,  put  the  dis- 
tressed settlers  under  New-Hampshire^  on  an 
equal  footing  with  our  brother  subjects  in  iiis 
realm ;  we  are  under  necessity  of  resisting, 
even  unto  blood,  every  person  who  may  at- 
tempt to  take  us  as  felons  or  rioters  as  afore- 
said ;  for  in  this  case  it  is  not  resisting  law, 
but  only  opposing  force  by  force  ;  therefore 
inasmuch  as  by  the  oppressions  aforesaid^ 
the  MeW' Hampshire  settlers  are  reduced  to 
the  disagreeable  state  of  anarchy  and  confu- 
sion, in  which  state  we  hope  for  wisdom,  pa- 
tience and  fortitude,  till  the  happy  hour  his 
Majesty  shall  graciously  be  pleased  to  re- 
store us  to  the  privileges  of  Englishmen, 
Signed  by      ETHAN  ALLEN, 
SETH  WARNER, 
REMEMBER  BAKER, 
ROBERT  COCKRAN, 
PELEG  SUNDERLAND, 
JOHN  SMITH, 
SILVANUS  BROWN,       ^ 
Bennington^  April  26,  1774. 
The  seeds  ot  disunion,  sown  by  the  un- 
wise policy  of  the  British  Ministry,  were,  at 
this  advanced  state  of  tho  Controversy  be- 
tween   New  York    and    Vermont,    rapidly 
springing  into  life.    The  oppressive  meas- 


^  '-ti 


ii!  •.  .i 


h 


i 


76 


MEMOIR    OF 


ri 


ures  of  the  Parent  Government — its  fatal 
attempt  to  burthen  the  Colonists  with  a  sys- 
tem of  unequal  taxation — aroused  a  spirit 
among  them,  indicative  of  a  sanguinary 
struggle,  and  a  bloody  termination.  So 
threatening  was  the  aspect  of  affairs,  that 
preparatory  measures  were  taken  for  con- 
vening a  Continental  Congress  ;  and  Dele- 
gates were,  accordingly,  chosen,  from  twelve 
of  the  Colonies,  to  meet  at  Philadelphia,  on 
the  r)th  day  of  September,  1774. 

This  important  step  towards  an  organiza- 
tion of  the  political  power  of  the  Colonies, 
was  followed,  as  may  naturally  be  anticipat- 
ed, by  an  almost  total   suspension  of  royal 
authority :     "  The  courts   of  justice,"  says 
Williams'  History, "  were  either  shut  up,  or 
adjourned,  without  doing  any  business :"  and 
every  attempt,  on  the  part  of  the  King's  of- 
ficers, to  extend  their  authority  over  the  peo- 
ple, was  followed  by  a  strong  and  decided 
opposition.     The  first  interruption   of  this 
kind,  occurred  at  Westminster,  in  the  county 
of    Cumberland,    in    the   New  Hampshire 
Grants,  over  which  the  jurisdiction  of  New 
York  had  been  extended.     The  occurrence 
is  fully  described  in  the  following  document : 

".y^  relation  of  the  proceedings  of  the  people  of  the 
County  of  Cumberland^  and  Province  of  J^ew- 

York, 

In  June,  1774,  there  were  some  letters 
came  to  the  Supervisors  of  said  county  from 


COCm  BTHAK  ALLElf. 


77 


the  Committeo  of  correspondence  at  New- 
Yofki  signed  by  their  cnairman,  Mr.  Low; 
which  letters,  said  Supervisors,  through  ig« 
no  ranee  or  intention,  kept  until  September, 
when  they  had  another  meeting ;  and  it  is 
supposed  that  they  intended  always  to  have 
kept  them,  and  the  good  people  would  have 
remained  in  ignorance  about  them  until  this  • 
time,  had  it  not  been  by  accident  that  it  was 
whispered  abroad,  so  that  Dr.  Reuben  Jones 
of  Rockingham,  and  Capt.  Azaria  Wright  of 
Westminster  heard  of  it,  and  took  proper 
care  to  notify  those  towns.    A  meeting  was 
called  in  the  two  towns  aforesaid,  and  a  com- 
mittee was  chosen  by  each  town,  to  wait  on 
the  supervisors,  at  their  meeting  in  Septem- 
ber, to  see  if  there  were  any  papers  that 
should  be  laid  before  the  several  towns  in  the 
county ;  and  they  found  that  there  were  pa-   . 
pers  come  from  the  committee  of  corresr 
pondence,  that  should  have  been  laid  before 
the  towns  in  June.    The  supervisors  made 
many  excuses  for  their  conduct :  some  plead 
ignorance,  and  some  one  thing  and    some 
another  :  but  the  most  of  them  did  seem  to 
think,  that  they  could  send  a  return  to  the 
committee  at  New- York,  without  ever  laying 
them  before  their  constituents ;  which  prin- 
ciple, at  this  day,  so  much  prevails,  that  it  is 
the  undc:ng  of  the  people.    Men  at  this  day 
s^e  so  unfortunately  tainted,  with  the  prio^ 
eiplas  of  tyranny,  that  they  would  fain  b«-  -■ 


I  •  I 


%» 


•  ."v  ■ 


%i\ 


•  1 


■I 


r  \ 


( 


\^\ 


t*. 


I 


i:ii 


( 


m 


r 


i 


H 


7a 


MEMOIR   OP 


.!.« 


licvc,  that  lis  they  aro  chor* .  Ly  the  people 
to  any  kind  of  office,  tor  any  i:  articular  thing, 
that  they  have  the  solo  power  of  th^t  people 
by  whom  they  are  chosen,  and  can  act  in  the 
name  of  that  people  in  any  matter  or  thing, 
though  it  is  not  in  any  connection  with  what 
they  were  chosen  for.  But  the  committees 
would  not  consent  to  have  a  return  made, 
until  every  town  in  the  county,  had  Mr.  Low's 
letters  laid  before  them ;  which  was  done, 
and  a  County  Congress  was  called  ;  return 
was  made,  a  committee  was  chosen  to  see 
that  it  was  put  in  print ;  but  through  interest 
or  otherwise,  it  never  was  pubhshed  in  any 
of  the  papers. 

Immediately  after,  the  people  of  the  coun- 
ty aforesaid  received  the  resolves  of  the 
Continental  Congress.  They  called  a  Coun- 
ty Congress,  and  did  adopt  all  the  resolves 
of  the  Continf'ntal  Congress  as  their  resolves, 
promising  religiously  to  adhere  to  that  agree- 
ment or  association.  There  was  a  commit- 
tee of  inspection  moved  for,  to  be  chosen  by 
the  county,  according  to  the  second  resolve 
of  the  association  aforesaid ;  but  being  much 
spoken  against  by  a  justice  and  an  attorney 
and  looked  upon  by  them  as  an  impertinent 
thing,  the  delegates  dared  not  choose  one. 
At  this  time  there  were  tory  parties  forming, 
although  they  were  under  disguise;  and 
had  laid  a  plan  to  bring  the  lower  sort  of  the 
people  into  a  state  of  bondage  and  slavery. 


COL.    RTMAff    ALLKIf 


79 


They  sdvv  that  tlicro  was  no  cash  stirring", 
and  they  took  that  ojiportunity  to  collect 
deb  },  knowing  that  men  had  no  other  way 
to  pay  them,  than  by  having  their  estates  ta- 
ken by   execution,  and   sohl  at  vendue. — 
There  were  but  very  few  men  among  us  that 
were  able  to  buy ;  and  those  men  were  so 
disposed,  that  they  wouhl  take  all  the  world 
into  their  own  hands,  without  paying  any 
thing  for  it,  if  they  could,  by  law ;  which 
would  soon  bring  the  country  into  slavery. 
Most,  or  all  of  our  men  in  authority,  and  all 
that  wanted  court  favors,  seemed  much  en- 
raged, and  stirred  up  many   vexatious  law- 
suits, and  imprisoned  many,  contrary  to  the 
laws  of  this  Province,  and  the  statutes  of 
the  crown.    One  man  they  put  into  clorro 
prison  for  high  treason ;  and   all  that  they 
proved  against  him.  was,  that  he  said  if  the 
King  had  signed  the  Quebec  bill,  it  was  his 
opinion  that  he  had  broken  his  coronation 
oath.    But  the  goofl  people  went  and  open- 
ed the  prison  door  and  let  him  go,  and  did 
no  violence  to  any  man's  person  or  property. 
Our  men  in  office  would  say  that  they  did 
like  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, and  they  ought  to  be  strictly  adhered 
to,  mitil  our  general  assembly  voted  against 
tliem.    Then  they  said  that  this  would  do 
for  the  Bay-Province,  but  it  was  childish  for 
us  to  pay  any  regard  to  them.    Some  of  our 
court  would  boldly  say,  that  the  King  had  a 


I!      . 


Vj, 


H'  1 


*  1 


i  ! 


!?  t 


11 1  M 


i 


i». 


(?:j)y 


\'^ 


■i;  f  i'C 


it' 


it;i 


m 


!•  H' 


I,!' 


\'J' 


80 


MEMOIR  OF 


HiBt  right  to  make  tfao  revenue-acts,  for  be 
had  a  supreme  power ;  and  he  thattuiid  ot2i- 
erwise  was  guilty  of  high  treason,  and  they 
did  hope  that  they  would  be  executed  ac- 
cordingly.   The  people  were  of  opinion  that 
such  men  were  not  suitable  to  rule  over 
them ;  and  as  the  general  assembly  of  this 
Prorince  would  not  accede  to  the  associa- 
;  tion  of  the  Continental  Congress,  the  good 
people  were  of  opinion,  that  if  they  did  ac- 
cede to  any  power  from  or  under  them  they 
should  be  guilty  of  the  breach  of  the  4th  ar- 
ticle of  that  association,  and  may  justly  be 
,  dealt  with,  accordingly,  by  all  America. — 
When  the  good  people  considered  that  the 
general  assembly  were  for  bringing  them  in- 
to a  state  of  slavery  (which  did  appear  plain 
by  their  not  acceding  to  the  best  method  to 
procure  their  liberties,   and  the  executive 
power  so  strongly  acquiescing  in  all  that 
they  did,  whether  it  was  right  or  wrong ;) 
the  good  people  of  said  county  thought  it 
time  to  look  to  themselves.  And  they  thought 
that  it  was  dangerous  to  trust  their  lives  and 
fortunes  in  the  hands  of  such  enemies  to  A- 
merican  liberty ;  but  more  particularly  un- 
feasonabl  7  that  i,here  should  be  any  court 
held;    since,  thereby,  we  must  accede  to 
what  our  general  assembly  had  done,  in  not 
acceding  to  what  the  whole  continent  had 
Kecommended ;  and  that  all  America  would 
toeak  off  all  dealings  and  commerce  with  us. 


COL.    £TrtAN    ALLEN. 


81 


and  bring  us  into  a  state  of  slavery  at  once. 
Therefore  in  duty  to  God,  ourselves  and 
posterity,  we  thought  ourselves  under  the 
strongest  obligations  to  resist  and  to  oppose 
all  authority  that  v^ould  not  accede  to  the 
resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress.    But 
knowing  that  many  of  our  court  were  n)en 
that  neither  feared  or  regarded  men,  but 
thought  it  was  most  prudent  to  go  and  per- 
suade the  judges  to  stay  at  home.     Accord- 
ingly there  were  about  forty  good  true  men 
went  from  Rockingham  to  Chester,  to  dis- 
suade Col.  Chandler,  the  chief  Judge,  from 
attending  court.      He  said  he  believed  it 
would  be  for  the  good  of  the  county  not  to 
have  any  court,  as  things  were :  but  there 
was  one  case  of  murder  that  they  must  see 
to,  and  if  it  was  not  agreeable  to  the  people, 
they  would  not  have  any  other  case.     One  of 
the  committee  told    him  that  the  Sheriff 
would  raise  a  number  with  arms,  and  that 
there  would  be  bloodshed.     The  Colonel 
said  that  he  would  give  his  word  and  honor 
that  there  should  not  be  any  arms  brought 
against  us ;  and  he  would  go  down  to  court 
on  Monday  the  13th  of  March  instant,  which 
was  the  day  that  the  court  was  to  be  opened. 
We  told  him  that  we  would  wait  on  him,  if 
it  was  his  will.    He  said  that  our  company 
would  be  very   agreeable ;  likewise  he  re- 
turned us  his  hearty  thanks  for  our  civility, 
and  so  we  parted  with  him, . 


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MCMOIBi    OP 


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We  heard  from  the  goutherft  part  of  the 
state,  that  Judge  Sabin  was  very  earnest  to 
have  the  law  go  on,  as  well  as  many  petty 
officers.     There  were  but  two  judges  in  the 
county  at  that  time.  Col.  Wells  being  gone 
to  New  York.    There  was  a  great  deal  of 
talk  in  what  manner  to  stop  the  court ;  and 
at  length  it  was  agreed  on  to  let  the  court 
come  together,  and  lay  the  reasons  we  had 
against  their  proceeding,  before  them,  think- 
ing they  were  men  of  such  sense  that  they 
would  hear  them.     But  on  Friday,  we  heard 
that  the  court  was  going  to  take  possession 
of  the  house  on  the  13th  mst.,  and  to  keep  a 
strong  guard  at  the  doors  of  said  house,  that 
we  could  not  come  in.     We   being  justly 
alarmed  by  the  deceit  of  our  court  though 
it  was  not  strange,  therefore  we  thought  pro- 
per to  get  to  court  before  the  armed  guards 
were  placed ;  for,  we  were  determined  that 
our  grievances  should  be  laid  before  the 
court,  before  it  was  opened.     On  Monday, 
the  13th  of  March  inst.,  there  were  about 
100  of  us  entered  the  court  house,  about  four 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon.    But  we  had  but 
just  entered,  before  we  were  alarmed  by  a 
large   number  of  men,  armed    with   guns, 
swords  and  pistols*    But  we,  in  the  house, 
had  not  any  weapons  of  war  among  us,  and 
were  determined  that  they  should  not  come 
in  with  their  weapons  of  war,  except  by  force 
of  them.  ^>  r 


,  "^ 


liM 


«  i  I, 


El.  i      i 


COL.   jCTMAir   ALLEV. 


83 


l\\ 


Esq.  Patterson  came  up  at  the  head  of  his 
armed  company,  within  about  five  yards  of 
the  door,  and  commanded  us  to  disperse ;  to 
which  he  got  no  answer.  He  then  caused 
the  King's  Proclamation  to  be  read,  and  told 
us,  that  if  we  did  not  disperse  in  fifteen  min- 
utes, by  G — d  he  would  blow  a  lane  through 
us.  We  told  him  that  we  would  not  disperse. 
We  told  them  that  they  might  come  in  if  they 
wouldjunarm  themselves,  but  not  without. — 
One  of  our  men  went  out  at  the  door,  and 
asked  them  if  they  were  come  for  war  ;  told 
them  that  we  were  come  for  peace,  and  that 
we  should  be  glad  to  hold  a  parley  with  them. 
At  that,  Mr.  Gale,  the  clerk  of  the  court, 
drew  a  pistol,  held  it  up,  and  said,  d — n  tho 
parley  with  such  d — d  rascals  as  you  are  ;  I 
will  hold  no  parley  with  such  d — d  rascals, 
but  by  this, — holding  up  his*  pistol.  They 
gave  us  very  harsh  language,  told  us  we  should 
be  in  hell  before  morning  ;  but,  after  a  while, 
they  drew  a  little  off  froi'  the  house,  and 
seemed  to  be  in  a  consultation.  Three  of 
us  went  out  to  treat  with  them  ;  but  the  most 
or  all,  that  we  could  get  from  them,  was, 
that  they  would  not  talk  with  such  d — d  ras- 
cals as  we  were  ;  and  we  soon  returned  to 
the  house,  and  they  soon  went  off. 

Gol.  Chandler  came  in,  and  we  laid  the 
case  before  him,  and  told  him  that  we  had 
his  word  that  there  should  not  be  any  arms 
brought  against  us.    He  said  that  the  arms 


-  i! 

■  i 

*'  ,i  i" 
.1  Vr, 
•  *  I 

■liiir 


.  ii 


Mi 


«  '1 


'    . 


«H 


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if 


I 


84 


MEMOIR   OF 


were  brought  without  his  consent,  but  he 
would  go  and  take  them  away  from  them,  and 
we  should  enjoy  the  house  undisturbed  until 
morning ;  and  that  the  court  should  come  in 
the  morning  without  arms,  and  should  hear 
what  we  had  to  lay  before  them  ;  and  then  ho 
went  away.  We  then  went  out  of  the  house 
and  chose  a  committee,  which  drew  up  arti- 
cles to  stand  for,  and  read  them  to  the  com- 
pany ;  and  they  were  voted  nem.  con,  dis,  and 
some  of  our  men  went  to  the  neighbours, 
and  as  many  as  the  court  and  their  party  saw, 
they  bound. 

About  midnight,  or  a  little  before,  the  sen- 
try, at  the  door,  espied  some  men  with  guns, 
and  he  gave  the  word  to  man  the  doors,  and 
the   walk  was  crowded.     Immediately,  the 
sheriff  and  his  company  marched  up  fast, 
within  about  ten  rode  of  the  door,  and  then 
the  word  was  given,  take  care,  and  then, 
fire.    Three  fired  immediately.    The  word 
fire  was  repeated ;  G — d  d — n  you,  fire,  send 
them  to  hell,  were  most  or  all  the  Words  that 
were  to  be  heard  for  some  time  :  on  which, 
/there  were  several  men  wounded;  one  was 
'  shot  with  four  bullets,  one  of  v/hich  went 
through  his  brain,  of  which  wound  he  died 
next  day.    Then  they  rushed  in  with  their 
guns,  swords  and  clubs,  and  did  most  cruelly 
bruise  several  more ;  and  took  some  that 
were  not  wounded,  and  those  that  were,  and 
crowded  them  into  close  prison  together,  and 


he 

Lnd 

Qtil 

sin 

ear 

ihe 

•use 

irti- 

om- 
and 
)urs, 
saw, 


COL.    ETHAN    ALLEN. 


S5 


told  them  that  they  should  all  be  in  hell  be- 
fore the  next  night,  and  that  they  did  wish 
that  there  were  forty  more  in  the  same  case 
with  that  dying  man.  When  they  put  him 
into  prison,  they  took  and  dragged  him  as 
one  would  a  dog ;  and  would  mock  him  as  he 
lay  gasping,  and  make  sport  for  themselves, 
at  his  dying  motions.  The  people  that  es- 
caped took  prudent  care  to  notify  the  people 
in  the  county,  and  also  in  the  government  of 
New  Hampshire,  and  the  Bay ;  which  being 
justly  alarmed  at  such  an  unheard  of  and 
aggravated  piece  of  murder,  did  kindly  in- 
terpose in  our  favour. 

On  Tuesday  the  14th  inst.,  about  12  o'- 
clock, nearly  200  men,  well  armed  came  from 
New  Hampshire  government ;  and  before 
night  there  were  several  of  the  people  of 
Cumberland  county  returned,  and  took  up  all 
they  knew  of,  that  were  in  the  horrid  mas- 
sacre, and  confined  them  under  a  strong 
guard  ;  and  afterwards  they  confined  as  ma- 
ny as  they  could  get  evidence  against,  except 
several  that  did  escape  for  their  lives.  On 
the  15th  inst,  the  body  formed,  chose  a  mod- 
erator and  clerk,  and  chose  v,  committee  to 
see  that  the  coroner's  jury  of  inquest  were 
just,  impartial  men  ;  which  jury  on  their  oath 
did  bring  in,  that  W.  Patterson,  &c.  &c.  did, 
on  the  13th  March  inst.,  by  force  and  arms, 
make  an  assault  on  the  body  ofw  Wilham 

# 


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OY 


..     :: is, 

i'          i 

^        ,-       .)       ■ 

86 


MEMOIR   OF 


i  5 


ii! 


Frenclj,*  then  and  there  lying  dead,  and  shot 
him  through  the  head  with  a  bullet,  of  whicl^ 
wound  he  died,  and  not  otherwise.  Then, 
the  criminals  were  confined  in  close  prison, 
and  on  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  and  ear- 
ly the  next  morning,  a  large  nuiiaber  came 
from  the  southern  part  of  the  county  of  Cum- 
berland, and  the  Bay  Province.  It  is  com- 
puted, that  in  the  whole,  there  were  500  good 
niartial  soldiers,  well  equiped  for  wajr,  that 
had  gathered.  On  the  16th  inst.,  the  body 
.assembled ;  but  being  so  numerous  that  they 

*  The  following;  is  a  literal  copy,  of  the  inscription 
on  the  tomb  stone  of  Mr.  French.  We  present  it  t^ 
jour  readers  as  a  literary  cuiiosity. 

EPITAPH. 

fn  Rremory    of    William    French 
Son  of  Mr  Nathaniel  French  Who 

Was  shot  at  Westminster  March    y    13 
J 775  by  the  hands  of  Cruel  Ministereal 

e       d 

tools  of  Georg  y  3     in  the  Corthouse  at 

(1 
alia  Clock  at  Night  in  the  22    year  of 

hid  Age 

He'  '^  William  French  his  Body     lies 

jFpr  Murder  Ms  bloo^  for  Vengancc  crie* 

Kiqg  Georg  the  third  his  Tory  crew 

,1      tha  with  a  bawl  his  head  Shot  threw 

For  Libeny  and  his  Country s  Good 

jie  Lost         bis  Life  his  Dearest  blood 


4 


^. 


'tC 


Col.    ETHAN    ALLEN. 


87 


^ould  not  do  business,  there  was  a  vote  pass- 
ed, to  choose  a  large  committee  to  repre- 
sent the  whole,  and  that  this  committee 
should  consist  of  men  who  did  not  belong  to 
the  county  o(  Cumberland,  as  well  as  those 
that  did  belong  thereto  ;  which  wfis  done. 
After  the  most  critical  and  impartial  exami- 
nation of  evidence,  voted,  that  the  heads  of 
them  should  be  confined  in  Northampton  jail, 
till  they  could  have  a  fair  trial ;  and  those 
that  did  not  appear  so  guilty,  should  be  un- 
der bonds,  holden  to  answer  at  the  next  court 
of  oyer*  and  terminer  in  the  county  aforesaid  ; 
which  was  agreed  to^  On  the  17th  inst., 
bonds  were  taken  for  those  that  were  to  be 
bounds  and  the  rest  set  out  under  a  strong 
guard  for  Northampton. 

We^  the  committee  aforesaid,  embrace 
this  opportunity  to  return  our  most  grateful 
iicknowledgmeuts  and  sincere  thanks  to  our 
truly  wise  and  patriotic  friends  in  the  gov- 
ernment of  New  Hampshire  and  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  for  their  kind  and  benevolent 
interposition  in  our  favour,  at  such  a  time  of 
distress  and  confusion  aforesaid;  strongly 
assuring  them,  that  we  shall  be  always  ready 
for  their  aid  and  assistance,  if  by  the  dispen- 
sations of  divine  providence,  We  are  called 
thereto. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  Committee. 

REUBEN  JONES,  Clerk. 

Cimtberland  county^  March  23d,  1775." 


,lv 


'  ■  ■  I' 

i  ■ 

if'  :i 


1:! 


i..'1t- 


88 


MEMOIR   OF 


The  effect  of  this  Massacre,  as  it  was 
termed,  was  electrical  upon  the  people  of 
Cumberland,  and,  in  fact,  upon  the  whole 
mass  of  settlers  on  the  New  Hampshire 
Grants.  The  opposition  to  the  claims  of 
New  York,  had,  thus  far,  mostly  been  confin- 
ed to  the  inhabitants  on  the  Western  side  of 
the  Green  Mountains — a  majority  of  the 
grantees,  in  the  vicinity  of  Connecticut  River, 
having  surrendered  their  original  charters, 
taken  new  grants  under  New  York,  and  qui- 
etly submitted  to  the  jurisdiction  of  that  Col- 
ony :  They  entered  fully,  however,  into  the 
spirit  which  pervaded  the  people  of  Massa- 
chusetts and  Connecticut,  in  relation  to  the 
oppressive  poHcy  of  Great  Britain  towards 
her  American  Colonies.  This  state  of  pub- 
lic sentiment,  together  with  the  fact  that  the 
Provincial  Assembly  of  New  York  had  with- 
held its  approbation  from  the  political  meas- 
ures recommended  by  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, (which  had  received  the  sanction  of 
every  other  Colony)  induced  them  to  an  open 
resistance  of  the  administration  of  New 
York.  In  pursuance  of  this  determination, 
a  meeting  of  a  large  body  of  people  was  held 
at  Westminster,  on  the  11th  day  of  April, 
1775,  at  which  the  following  measures  were 
adopted: 

1 .  Voted,  That  Major  Abijah  Lovejoy  be 
the  Moderator  of  this  meeting. 


'ilk' 


COL.    ETHAN   ALLEN. 


89 


2.  Voted,  That  Dr.  Reuben  Jones  be  the 
Clerk. 

3.  Voted,  as  our  opinion,  That  our  inhab- 
itants are  in  great  danger  of  having  their 
property  unjustly,  cruelly,  and  unconstitution- 
ally taken  from  them,  by  the  arbitrary  and 
designing  administration  of  the  government 
of  New  York;  sundry  instances  having  al- 
ready taken  place. 

4.  Voted,  as  our  opinion,  That  the  lives  of 
those  inhabitants  are  in  the  utmost  hazard 
and  imminent  danger,  under  the  present  ad- 
ministration. Witness  the  malicious  and 
horrid  massacre  of  the  night  of  the  1 3th  ult. 

.0.  Voted,  as  our  opinion,  That  it  is  the  du- 
ty of  said  inhabitants,  as  predicated  on  the 
eternal  and  immutable  law  of  self  preserva- 
tion, to  wholly  renounce  and  resist  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  government  of  New  York, 
till  such  timo  as  the  lives  and  property  of 
those  inhabitants  may  be  secured  by  it ;  or 
till  such  time  as  they  can  have  opportunity 
to  lay  their  grievances  before  his  most  gra- 
cious Majesty  in  Council,  together  with  pro- 
per remonstrance  against  the  unjustifiable 
conduct  of  that  government ;  with  an  hum- 
ble petition,  to  be  taken  out  of  so  oppressive 
a  jurisdiction,  and,  either  annexed  to  some 
other  government,  or  erected  and  incorporat- 
ed into  a  new  one,  as  may  appear  best  to  the 
laid  inhabitants,  to  the  royal  Wisdoih  and 

8* 


u;  r'! 


.ill 


90 


MEMOIR    or 


r 


I,';  I 


)• 


M»  ' ' ;  I  ('■ 


ii 


U 


)i 


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i;* 


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ii'' 

1 


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U 


clemency,  and  till  such  time  as  his  Maj'-sty 
shall  settle  this  controversy. 

6.  Voted,  That  CoK  John  Hazeltine,  Cha\ 
Phelps,  Esq.  and  Col.  Ethan  Allen,  be  a  Com- 
mittee to  prepare  such  remonstrance  and  pe- 
tition for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

In  this  situation  of  afiairs,  the  people  of 
Vermont  were  electrified  by  the  commence- 
ment of  hostilities,  between  America  and 
Great  Britain,  at  Lexington,  Ms.,  on  the  me- 
morable 19th  of  April,  1775.  This  exciting 
prelude  to  an  eventful  drama,  produced  a 
startling  effect  from  one  extremity  of  the 
Colonies  to  the  other.  "  Local  and  Provin- 
cial contests,  were,,  at  once,"  says  Williams' 
History,  "  swallowed  up  by  the  novelty,  the 
grandeur,  and  the  importance  of  the  contest 
thas  opened." 

Although  the  settlers  on  the  New  Hamp- 
shire Grants,  yielded  to  the  importance  of 
the  American  cause,  and  used  their  endeav- 
ours to  assist  in  carrying  into  effect  the 
measures  agreed  upon  by  the  sister  Colo- 
nies, yet  they  did  not  relax  in  their  exertions 
to  improve  their  internal  condition,  and  sub- 
stantiate" the  purity  and  justness  of  their  pro- 
ceedings in  regard  to  the  claims  of  New 
York.  To  a  firm  adherence  to  their  prima- 
ry position,  and  to  their  patriotic  exertions 
in  behalf  of  the  comvion  cause,  may  be  attrib- 
uted the  little  trouble  they  afterwards  expe- 
rienced in  obtaining  an  amicable  and  satis- 


COL.    ETHAN    ALLEN. 


ft 


factoiy  settlement  of  their  difficulties,  and  a 
final  admission  into  the  Federal  Union. 

The  period  to  which  we  have  now  arrived 
in  the  Hfe  of  Col.  Allen,  places  him  in  a  more 
broad  and  interesting  position  before  the 
reader.  Heretofore  he  has  been  seen  only 
as  the  zealous  friend  of  the  people  among 
whom  he  resided — a?  the  champion  of  the 
humble  citizen,  con  nding  for  the  rights  of 
property  and  priva  t  -e  :  In  these  offi- 
ces of  friendship  i\  u.y,  however,  he  had 
rendered  himself  conspicuous  and  trust  wor- 
tliy.  He  had  evinced  a  spirit  of  patriotism^ 
and  a  love  of  freedom,  which  warmly  recom- 
mended him  to  the  confidence,  the  esteem, 
and  the  friendship,  of  the  most  conspicuous 
advocates  of  American  liberty.  That  he 
should  have  been  selected,  therefore,  as  a 
leader  in  a  measure  fraught  with  important 
incidents,  to  the  cause  of  liberty,  is  a  re- 
ward due  both  to  his  patriotic  principles  and 
important  public  services. 

Soon  after  the  result  of  the  battle  of  Lex- 
ington was  known,  instructions  were  private- 
ly sent  to  Col.  Allen,  from  the  General  As- 
sembly of  Connecticut,  to  enlist  a  body  of 
the  settlers  on  the  New  Hampshire  Grants^ 
and,  if  it  were  thought  possible,  to  surprise 
and  take  the  fortress  of  Ticonderoga.*  Thi« 

*  Doctors  Morse  and  Parish  thus  describe  this  fortress 
ia  the  Americaa  Gazetteer  : 
*'  Ticonderoga,  in  the  State  of  New  York,   was  boilt 


.' 


III 


M. 


I- 

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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14S80 

(716)  872-4503 


> 


92 


MCMom  DP 


enterprise  wascheerfatty  undcfttaken  hy  him. 
The  requisite  ntunber  of  men  were  sp^diiy 
enrolled,  and  ready  for  the  attack.  The  se^ 
verol  passes,  leading  to  the  fortress,  tveTe 
carefully  guarded  by  Col.  Allen,  and  all  coiii^ 
munication  between  the  garrison  and  the  ad« 
jomittg  country,  intercepted.  By  a  forced 
march,  he  arrived  at  the  Lake,  opposite  Ti* 
eonderoga,  on  the  evening  of  the  9th  day  of 
May,  1775,  with  two  hundred  and  thirty  bravie 
Green  Mountain  Boys.  Considerable  dilfi- 
<;ulty  was  experienced  in  procuring  boats  to 
cross  the  Lake  :  This  difficulty,  however, 
was,  at  last,  surmounted  ;  and  eighty  three 
men  were  landed  near  the  garrison,  and  the 
boats  seat  back  for  the  rear  guard,  cont- 

by  the  l^rencbf  In  the  year  175C,  on  the  north  irde  of  a 
PeuiQ9ula«  formetl  by  the  confluence  of  the  waters  is- 
SQingfrom  Lake  George  into  Lake  Champlain.  It  is 
tionv  a  heap  of  tuins,  itti  forms  an  appendage  to  a  fart». 
its  BRme  signifies  Noisy,  in  the  Indian  langjage  ;  and 
was  called,  by  the  French,  Cotillor,  Mount  Independ- 
ence, in  Addison  County,  Vt<,  is  about  two  miles  S.  £. 
\k\tt  afid  separated  from  it  by  the  narrow  strait  which 
eoAVtysfhe  waters  of  Lake  George  and  South  River  into 
Lake  Champlain.  It  had  all  the  advantages  wtiich  art 
or  nature  could  give  it*»being  defended  xih  three  sidef 
by  water,  surroupded  by  rucks ;  and  where  that  fails^ 
thte  Prench  erected  a  breast-work  nine  feet  higlr.  Thte 
mwit  the  first  fortress  attatk«d  by  the  Americans  doritog 
the  Kevolutionary  war.  The  troops  under  6ten.  Ab* 
^h^rombie  were  defeated  here,  in  1758  ;  but  it  was  re. 
Iak«viihe  y«»rfoUo!»togtiy  Gen.  Amherst.  It  wiis  tur* 
prised  by  Col.  Allen,  May  10, 1779,  and  woi  retlikfto  It 
<3(Mi.<fiiirgoyfie,  ia  July,  1777. 


m 


^  1'^ 


COL.    ETHAN   ALLEK. 


iA 


mandcd  by  Col.  Seth  Warner.  As  the  day 
began  to  dawn.  Col.  Allen  found  himself  un- 
der the  necessity  of  attacking  the  fort,  before 
the  arrival  of  Col.  Warner's  detachment. — 
"As  this,"  says  Col. Allen,  in  his  "  JSTarrative,^^ 
"  was  viewed  hazardous,  I  harangued  the  of- 
ficers and  soldiers  in  the  manner  following  : 

^'Friends  and  fellow  soldiers :  You  have,  for 
a  number  of  years  past,  been  a  scourge  and 
terror  to  arbitrary  power.  Your  valor  has 
been  famed  abroad,  and  acknowledged,  as 
appears  by  the  advice  and  orders  to  me,  from 
the  General  Assembly  of  Connecticut,  to 
surprise  and  take  the  garrison  now  before  us« 
I  now  propose  to  advance  before  you;  nnd^ 
in  person,  conduct  you  through  the  wicket- 
gate  ;  for  we  must,  this  morning,  either  quit 
our  pretensions  to  valor,  or  possess  ourselves 
of  this  fortress  in  a  few  minutes.  And,  in- 
asmuch as  it  is  a  desperate  attempt,  which 
none  but  the  bravest  of  men  dare  undertake, 
I  do  not  uage  it  on  any  one  contrary  to  his 
will.  You  that  will  undertake,  voluntarily, 
poise  your  firelocks,'*^  As  might  be  conjectur- 
ed, atnong  such  a  body  of  hardy  and  fearless 
men,  the  musket  of  every  one  was  brought 
to  a  poise :  Colonel  Allen,  with  his  men, 
immediately  advanced  to  the  wicket  gate, 
where  a  sentry  was  found  posted,  who  snap- 
ped his  musket  at  him,  and  retreated  through 
the  covered  way  into  the  parade,  within  th^ 
garrison,  gave  the  alarm,  and  ran  under  a 


t 


i'T 


I 


1- 

I 


! 


. 


■■\ 


I  t 


,.  y 


i 


i 


.'it 


! 


U 


IieMoir  of' 


boliib-proofl*  Col.  Allen  immediately  form^' 
ed  his  men  (who  had  boldly  followed  him,) 
on  the  piarade  in  such  a  manner  that  they 
faced  the  two  barracks,  which  were  opposite 
to  each  other.  The  garrison  being  asleep^ 
except  the  sentries,  three  loud  huzzas  were 
given,  very  much,  without  doubt,  to  their  sur-* 
prise^  One  of  the  sentries  made  a  pass  at 
one  of  the  American  officers,  with  a  bayonet^ 
and  slightly  wounded  him-  "  My  first 
thought,"  says  the  Colonel,  "was  to  kill  him 
with  my  sword ;  but,  in  an  instant,  1  altered 
the  design  and  fury  6f  the  blow,  to  a  slight 
cut  on  the  side  of  the  head ;  upon  which,  ha 
dropped  his  gun,  and  asked  for  quarters^ 
which  I  readily  granted  him,  and  demanded 
of  him  the  place  where  the  commanding  offi-' 
cer  kept.  He  shewed  me  a  pair  of  stairs,  in 
the  front  of  a  barrack,  on  the  West  part  of 
the  garrison,  which  led  up  to  a  se<iOnd  story 
in  said  barrack,  to  which  I  itnmediately  re-^ 
paired,  and  ordered  the  commanded,  CApt 
De  La  Place,  to  come  forth  instantly,  or  I 
would  sacrifice  the  whole  gPttisOn ;  at  Which 
the  Captain  came  immedl:  ^  to  the  door^ 
with  his  small  clothes  in  his  hand — 'When  I 

*  The  aiitho^j  in  detailing  the  eyeflis  of  tliis  transac- 
tion, 88  well  »^  the  incidents  connected  with  the  life  of 
Col.  Allen,  from  1775  to  1778,  has  relied  upon  the  de- 
tails famished  by  the  "  ^farratlve^^  heretofore  referred 
to. ;  andf  so  far  as  possible^  pteserred  the  language  ol 
ttie  narrator. 


V. » 


^OL.   ETHAN    ALLEN. 


95 


/ordered  him  to  deliver  to  me  the  fort,  instant? 
]y.  He  asked  me  by  what  authority  I  de- 
manded it.  I  ai^swered  him — "  In  the  name 
of  the  Grejat  Xehoyah  and  the  Continental 
Congress !"  The  authority  of  the  Congress 
being  very  little  known,  at  that  time,  he  her 
gan  to  speak  again ;  but  I  interrupted  him  ; 
and,  with  my  drawn  sword  over  his  head, 
again  demanded  an  immediate  surrender  of 
the  garrison  :  with  which  he  then  complied, 
and  ordered  his  men  to  be  forthwith  paraded 
without  arms,  as  he  had  given  up  the  garrir 
son.  In  the  mean  time,  some  of  mv  officerg 
had  given  orders,  and  in  consequence  there- 
of, sundry  of  the  barrack  doors  were  beaten 
down,  and  about  oae  third  of  the  garrison 
imprisoned,  which  consisted  of  the  commandr 
er,  a  Lieutenant  Feltham,  a  conductor  of  Ar? 
tillei'y,  a  gunner,  two  sergeants,  and  forty 
rank  and  file,  together  with  about  one 
hundred  pieces  of  Cannon,  one  thirteen-ihch 
mortar,  and  a  number  of  swivels.  This  sur? 
prise  was  carried  into  execution  in  the  gray 
of  the  morning  of  the  10th  of  May,  1775.— 
The  sun,"  adds  the  Colonel,  ''seemed  to  ris^ 
that  morning  with  a  superior  lustre  ;  and 
Ticonderpga  and  its  dependencies  smiled 
on  its  conquerors,  who  tossed  about  the 
flowing  bowl,  and  wished  success  to  Con- 
gress and  the  liberty  and  freedom  ot  America." 
Col.  Warner,  with  the  rear  guard,  crossed 
fhe  Ijake,  and  joined  the  conqueror^,  early  ii^ 


si 
% 

*  M 


'*,' 


*f  ,. '. 


.:*'« 


I 


\' . 


■< 


H  ?l 


r  if 


96 


MEMOIR  OF 


li 


> 


i 


the  morning;  who  was  immediately  des- 
patched, with  about  one  hundred  men,  to 
take  possession  of  Crown  Point,  which  was 
garrisoned  with  onhr  a  sergeant  and  twelve 
men.  This  was  effected  the  same  day,  and 
about  one  hundred  pieces  of  cannon,  togeth- 
er with  other  munitions  of  war  were  secured. 
Only  one  thing  now  remained  to  bo  done  in 
order  to  obtain  the  control  of  Lake  Cham* 
plain :  This  was  to  capture  a  sloop  of  war, 
which  was  then  lying  at  St.  Johns,  L.  C. ;  to 
effect'  which,  it  was  agreed  in  a  council  of 
war,  to  arm  and  man  out  a  certain  schooner, 
lying  at  South  Bay,  and  place  Captain,  (af-i 
terwards  General)  Arnold,  in  command  of^ 
her,  while  Colonel  Allen  was  to  command 
the  batteaux.  The  necessary  preparations 
being  made,  they  set  sail  from  Ticonderoga, 
in  quest  of  the  Sloop,  which  was  much  larger, 
and  carried  more,  and  heavier  guns,  than  the 
schooner.  The  schooner  sailing  much  more 
rapidly  than  the  batteaux.  General  Arnold 
^rived  at  St.  Johns  and  possessed  himself 
pf  the  sloop  before  the  arrival  of  Col.  Aliens 
He  also  made  prisoners  of  a  sergeant  and 
twelve  men,  who  were  stationed  at  that 
place.  *'It  is  worthy  of  remark,"  adds  the 
Narrative  ;>Uhat  jas  soon  as  Gen.  Arnold 
had  secured  the  prisoners  on  board,  and 
made  prepiarations  for  sailing,  the  wind,  which 
but  a  few  hours  before,  was  fresh  from^  the 
South,  and  well  served  to  carry  us  to  St.  Johns, 


di 


e: 


.1 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


97 


now  fihifted,  and  came  fresh  from  the  North ; 
and,  in  about  one  hoards  time,  Gen.  Arnold 
saiiled  with  the  prize  and  schooner  for  Ticon- 
deroga."  He  was  met,  by  Col.  Allen,  within 
a  few  miles  of  St.  Johns,  and  saluted  with  a 
discharge  of  cannon,  which  was  returned 
with  A  volley  of  small  arms.  Atler  two  re- 
petitions of  this  compliment,  the  Colonel  and 
iiis  officers  went  on  board  the  sloop,  when 
several  loyal  healths  were  drank  to  Con- 
fess." 

The  result  of  this  victory  was  of  the  ut- 
most consequence  to  the  cause  of  America, 
as  it  utterly  destroyed  the  military  force  of 
the  British,  upon  Lake  Champlain,  and 
weighed  heavily  in  the  balance  of  public 
opinion.  It  cannot  be  disguised,  that  the 
people  of  the  American  Colonies  embarked 
in  the  cause  of  freedom  with  many  misgiv-- 
ings.  They  were'  well  aware  of  their  own 
weakness :  and  they  were  equally  well  ap-- ' 
prized  of  the  gigantic  power  with  which 
they  were  to  contend.  The  capture,  there- 
fore, of  Ticonderoga,  a  strong  and  well  for- 
tified fortress,  together  with  the  entire  over- 
throw of  the  British  power  upon  the  Lake,* 
tended  to  raise  their  drooping  spirits,  and  cre- 
ate a  confidence  among  them,  which  was  of 
vast  importance  to  the  general  cause.  First 
impressions,  in  every  caui^e,  .exercise  a  pow- 
erful influence  upon  succeeding  incidents: 


V 


*i* 


i 

*  I 
r  I 


;  t: 


»    f 


-  •   I     • 


••ill 


:!! 


I- 

V 


i 


I 

^1 


n 


iieMom  or 


and,  in  fxroportion  to  their  importance,  ara 
their  effects  to  be  considered.* 

Early  in  the  ensuing  fall,  the  American  ar- 
my, under  the  command  of  Generals  Schuyr 
ler  and  Montgomery,  received  orders  u>  ad? 

*  Commenting  upon  the  success  which  attended 
the  attack  upon  Ticooderoga,  and  the  expedition 
to  St.  Johns,  Col.  Allen  remarks  c  , 

*'  This  success  I  viewed  of  consej^uence  in  the 
scale  of  American   politics  ;  for,  if  $  settlement, 
between  the  then  Colonies  of  Great  Britain,  ha<f 
soon  taken  place,  it  would  have  been  easy  to  have 
restored  these  acquisitions ;  hut  viewing  the  thep 
future  consequences,  of  a  civil  war,  as  it  has  really 
proved  to  be,  and  the  command  of  that  Lal^e,  gar- 
risons, artillery,  ^c,  it  inust  be  viewed  to  be  of 
signal  importance,  to  the  American  eause ;  and  it 
is  marveUous  to  me  that  we  ever  lost  the  command 
of  it.    Nothing  but  taking  a  Burgoyoe,  with  a  whole 
British  army,  cpuld,  in   my  opinion,  atone  for  it : 
and,  notwith^tfindjng  su,ch  an  extraordinary  victory, 
we  must  be  obliged  to  regain  the  command  of  that 
LalLe  again,  be  the  cost  what  it  will ;     3y  doing 
this,  Canada  will  easily  be  brought  into  union  ana 
coofederajcy    with  the  United  States  of  America. 
Such  ^n  event  would  put  it  out  of  the  power  of  the 
We^ern  tribes  .of  Indians  to  carry  on  a  war  with 
us,  and  be  a  solid  aud  durable  bar  against  any  far- 
ther inhuman  barbarities,  committed  on  Qur  frontier 
inhaij^itants,  by  cruel  and   blood-thirsty   savages ; 
for,  it  is  impossible  for  them  to  carry  on  a  war,  ex- 
cept they  are  supported   by  the  trade  and  com^ 
m^rce  of  some  civilized  nation  :  which,  to  theqi^ 
would  be  impracticable,  did  Canada  compose  a  pari 
ef  the  AmericaD  Empire." 


c 
t 

81 

a^ 


Vi 


■V' 


loine 
ana 


tot,  Bt^Air   ALLEN; 


^9 


taiiccf  into  Canada.  Col.  Allen  Ms  at 
Ticonderoga  when  this  order  arrived ;  and 
received  pressing  requests  from  the  Generals, 
and  a  majority  of  the  field  officers,  to  ac- 
company the  expedition — it  being  stipulated 
that,  although  he  held  no  regular  commis-' 
sion  from  Congress,  he  should  be  considered 
as  an  officer,  and,  as  occasion  might  require, 
command  certain  detachments  of  the  army. 
This  being  considered,  by  him,  an  honorable 
ofFer^  and  feeling  a  desire  to  assist,  to  the  ex- 
tent of  his  power,  in  any  expedition  having 
for  its  object  the  good  of  the  country,  he 
complied  with  the  requests,  and  advanced 
with  the  army  to  Isle  anx  JVoixJ*  From  this 
place^  he  was  ordered,  by  the  General, 
to  accompany  Major  Brown,  atnd  certain  ii> 
terpreters,  through  the  woods  into  Canada^ 
with  letters  to  the  Canadians,  informitfg  themt 
that  the  design  of  the  army  was  only  against 
the  English  garrisons,  and  not  the  country, 
their  liberties  or  theii*  religion.  Having 
with  much  difficulty,  arranged  this  business^ 
he  rettirhed  to  Isle  auxJSoix^  early  in  Septem* 
berV    Gen.  Schuyler  having  reti^ned  to  AW 

*  IsLis  Avi  Noix,  6t  Nut*  IsljInI),  is  at  snoalf 
Island  of  about  50  acres,  near  the  North  end  of 
Lake  Chaimplain,  and  within  the  Province  of  Low- 
er Canada.  Here  the  British  had  a  garrison  of  100 
toen.  It  is  about  5  miles  N.  N.  E.  of  the  mouth 
of  La  Cole  River,  20  North  of  Isle  La  Motte,  and 
12  or  15  Southward  of  St.  Johns. 


♦ ' 


•< 


:::f 


■,l 


,    ■ 


'■:ti 


Vi: 


w  ■ 


m  M 


r, . 


I-  '1 


i^ 


JOO 


MEMOIR   Of 


bany,  the  command  devoked  u])on  Gem 
Montgomery,  from  whom  Col.  Alle^i  soon  af- 
ter received  orders  to  make  a  second  tour 
into  Canada,  for  the  purpose  of  observing 
the  disposition,  designs  and  movements  of 
the  inhabitants.  This  reconnoitre  was  uiT" 
dertaken  with  reluctance  by  the  Colonel; 
"  choosing  rather,"  as  he  asserts,  "  to  assist 
at  the  siege  of  St.  Johns,*  which  was  then 
closely  invested ;  but  my  esteem  for  the 
G'enerars  person,  and  opinion  of  him  as  a 
politician^  induced  me  to  proceed.*' 

The  route  taken  by  the  Colonel,  fed  him 
through  all  the  parishes  on  the  river  Sorrel,t; 
to  a  parish  at  its  mouth,  bearing  the  same 
name.  The  inhabitants  were  addressed  by 
him,  upon  the  policy  of  the  American  Gener- 
als, in  besieging  St.  Johns  ;  and  every  argu^ 
ment  used  to  quiet  their  fears  and  enlist  their 
feelings  in  behalf  of  the  besiegers;  From 
the  parish  of  Sorrel,  he  directed  his  course 
to  the  river  St.Lawrence,  and  thence  through 

*  St.  Johns,  is  situated  on  the  West  bank  of  the 
Sorrel  River,  in  Lower  Canada,  at  the  North  end 
of  Lake  Champlain,  and  twenty  eight  miles  from 
Montreal. 

t  Sorrel  RiveR  is  the  outlet  of  Lake  Cham> 
plain  ;  and,  after  a  course  of  aborit  69  miles  North, 
empties  into  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  in  North  lat. 
46, 10,  and  long.  72,  25  West.  Sorrel  Fort,  built 
by  the  French,  is  at  the  Western  point  of  tbeadutli 
of  this  river. ' 


'% 


COL.  ETHAK    ALLEN 


101 


the  parishes  to  Longuei],  accompanied  by  a 
Canadian  guard,  an  interpreter,  and  a  few 
American  attendants.  On  the  morning  of 
the  24th  of  September,  he  loll  Longueil,  with 
a  guard  of  about  eighty  men,  for  La  Prairie,* 
from  whence  it  was  his  determination  to 
proceed  directly  to  Gen.  Montgomery's  camp. 
Ho  had  not  advanced  but  about  two  miles, 
however,  before  he  met  with  Major  Brown, 
who  informed  him  he  had  important  intelli- 
gence to  communicate;  the  import  of  which 
was,  that  provided  Col.  Allen  would  return 
to  Longueil,  and  procure  a  few  canoes,  to 
enable  the  party  to  effect  a  passage  across 
the  St.  Lawrence,  a  short  distance  North  of 
Montreal,  he  TMajor  Brown)  would  cross  the 
river  South  of  the  town,  with  two  hundred 
men,  as  he  had  a  sufficient  number  of  boats, 
and  thus  effect  the  capture  of  Montreal. — 
This  plan,  although  somewhat  chimerical, 
and  ill-advised,  was  readilv  approved  by  Coi* . 
Allen  and  those  in  council ;  in  consequence 
of  which,  they  immediately  returned  to  Lon* 
gueil--co]]ected  a  few  canoes,  and,  afler  ad- 
ding about  thirty  men  to  the  party,  crossed 
the  river  on  the  night  of  the  24th,  agreeably  ' 
to  the  proposed  plan.  The  whole  elective 
force  of  Col.  Allen,  consisted  only  of  about 

^  *  La  Pbaibie,  a  popaloas  little  vilhige,  on  the 
river  St.  Lawrence,  in  Lower  Canada^  eighteen 
ibilet  North  of  St.  Johns,  and  nine  South  West  of 
Montreal. 

8* 


»* 


.^'•^ 


I  I 


*i 


^  1 


hi  \ 


■  1! 


m 


'  ■■ 


102 


MEMOIR  or 


ono  hundred  and  ten  men,  (^ut  eighhf  of 
whom  were  Canadians,  ^^  We  were  most  of 
the  night,^*  says  the  Colonel,  ^^  in  crossing 
the  rivor ;  as  wo  had  so  few  canoes  that  they 
had  to  pass  and  re-pass  three  times  to  carry 
ray  party  across.  Soon  afler  day-break,  I 
set  a  guard  between  me*  and  the  town,  with 
special  orders  to  let  no  person  whatever  pass 
or  repass  them ;  and  another  guard  at  the 
other  end  of  the  road,  with  like  directions. 
In  the  mean  time  I  reconnoitred  the  best 
ground  to  make  a  defence — expecting  Major 
Brown^s  party  was  landed  on  the  other  side 
of  the  town — he  having,  the  day  before,, 
agreed  to  give  three  huzzas  with  his  men  ear-' 
ly  in  the  morning,  which  signal  I  was  to  re- 
turn, that  we  might  know  that  both  parties 
were  landed.  But  the  sun,  by  this  time,  be- 
ing near  two  hours  high,  and  the  sign  failing, 
I  began  to  conclude  myself  to  be  in  ft  sad  & 
lemma ;  and  would  have  crossed  the  river 
back  again,  but  I  knew  th<^  enemy  would  dis- 
cover such  an  attempt :  and«  as  there  could 
not  more  than  one  third  part  of  my  troops 
cross  at  one  time,  the  other  two  thirds  would, 
of  course,  fall  into  their  hands.  This  I  could 
not  reconcile  to  my  own  feelings  as  a  n^an, 
much  less  as  an  officer :  I,  therefore,  con- 
cluded to  maintain  the  ground,  if  possible, 
aibdsharo  the  fate  of  the  others.  In  conse- 
quence of  this  resolution,  1  despatched  two 
nkessengers— one  to  La  Prsdrie,  ta.  Major 


V 


I-.' 


OOL.  BTHAlf  AlXCff. 


103 


Brown,  and  the  other  to  L'AMompfion,  a 
French  settlement,  to  a  Mr*  Walker,  who  was 
in  our  interest,  requesting  spee^  assistance, 
giving  them,  at  the  same  time,  to  understand 
my  critical  situation.  In  the  meaB  time,  sun- 
dry persons  came  to  my  guards,  pretending 
to  be  friends,  who  were  by  them  taken  pris- 
oners, and  brought  to  me.  These  I  ordered 
to  confinement,  until  their  friendship  could 
be  farther  confirmed ;  for  I  was  jealous  they 
were  spies,  as  they  proved  to  be  afterwardsr 
One  of  the  principal  of  them,  making  his  es^ 
caj^e,  exposed  the  weakness  of  my  party, 
which  was  the  final  cause  of  my  misfortune  ? 
fori  have  since  been  informed  that  Mr.  Wal 
ker,  agreeably  to  desire,  exerted  himself,  and 
raised  a  considerable  number  of  men  for  my 
assistance  ;  but,  hearing  of  my  tnisfortunor 
he  disbanded  them." 

The  news  of  the  arrival  of  Col.  Allen  and 
his  jfollowers,  created  much  excitement  and 
akirm  in  Montreal.  Gen.  Carlton,  and  the 
royal  party,  made  every  preparation  to  go  on 
board  their  armed  vessels,  and  would,  prob* 
ably,  have  done  so,  had  they  not  been  dis- 
suaded by  the  information  deriv^ed  from  the 
spy,  heretofore  referred  to,  who  made  his 
escape  firom  the  Americans.  This  occasion- 
ed an  aheratkm  in  their  determination,  aiid 
emboldened  Gen,  Carlton  to  send  an  armed 
force  against  the  invaders.  ^I  hadpi^r^ 
OQi^  <£Q8en  my  groumi,''  saya  Col  ABen, 


r 


r.•'^ 


i*l 


»> 


I. 


t   <  1 

I 


^  I.I 


!■ 


.  t 


»   f  . 


•  ! 


f  ■• 


I." 


,  -< 


I '» 


HI 


III    i  I 

m 


II. M. 


If    1.   . 


I    U 


i 


104 


MEMOIR   OP 


"  but  when  I  saw  the  number  of  the  enemy^ 
as  they  sallied  out  of  the  town,  I  perceived 
it  would  be  a  day  of  trouble,  if  not  of  re- 
buke. But  I  had  no  chance  to  flee :  as 
Montreal  is  situated  on  an  Island ;  and  the 
river  St.  Lawrence  cut  oft'  my  communica- 
tion with  Gen.  Montgomery's  camp.  I  en- 
x^o^raged  my  soldiery  to  bravely  defend  them- 
selves— -observihg  that  we  should  soon  have 
help,  and  that  we  should  be  able  to  keep  the 
ground,  if  no  more.  This,  and  much  more^ 
I  aftirmed  with  the  greatest  seeming  assur- 
ance, and  which,  in  reality,  I  thought  to  be 
in  some  degree  probable. 

**  Th6  enemy  consisted  of  not  more  than 
ibrty  regular  troops,  together  with  a  mixed 
multitude,  chiefly  Canadians,  with  a  number 
of  English  who  lived  in  the  town,  and  a  few 
Indians:  in  all,  amounting  to  about  five  hon* 
dred  men. 

**  The  reader  will  notice  that  a  majority  of 
my  party  were  Canadians :  Indeed,  it  was 
a  motley  parcel  of  soldiery  which  composed 
both  parties.  However,  the  enemy  began 
the  attack  from  wood  piles,  ditches,  build' 
ings,  and  suchlike  places,  at  a  considerabW 
distance  ;  and  I  returned  the  fire  from  a  silk 
uationmore  than  equally  advantageous.—* 
The  attack  began  between  two  and  three  d'" 
clock,  in  the  afternoon,  just  before  which,  I 
ordered  a  volunteer,  by  the  name  of  Richard 
Youngs  with  a  detachment  of  nine  men,  a&a 


1 


^.» 


COU  ETHAir  ALtfiir* 


ios 


flaok  guafdf,  to  Annoy  the  eneftiy  tindef  cov- 
er of  the  bank  of  the  riyetf  £tfd,  at  the  same 
time^  to  serve  as  a  flank  guard  to  the  left 
wing  of  the  main  body. 

**  The  fire  continued  for  some  time,  on- 
both  sides  ;  and  I  was  confideM  that  sach  a 
remote  method  of  attack  could  not  carry  the 
ground^  provided  it  even    continued  nntil 
night.    But  about  half  the  body  of  the  ene- 
my began  to  flank  round  to  my  right ;  upon 
which,  I  ordered  a  volunteer,  by  the  name  of 
John  Dugan^  who  had  lived  many  years  m 
Canada,  and  understood  the  French  lan- 
guage, to  detach  about  fifty  of  the  Canadi- 
ans, and  post  himself  at  an  advantageous' 
ditch,  which  was  on  my  rights  to  prevent  my 
being  surrounded.    He  advanced  with  the 
detachment ;  /but,  instead  of  occupying  the 
post,  made  his  escape^  as  did,  Ukewise,  Mr.^ 
Young,  upon  the  left,  with  their  detachments.r 
I  soon  perceived  that  they  were  in  possession 
of  the  ground,  which  Dugan  should  have 
occupied.    At   this  time  I  had  but  about 
forty-five  men  With  me ;  some  of  whom  were 
wounded.    The  enemy  continued  to  close 
around  me,  nor  was' it  in  my  power  to  prevent 
it ;  by  which  means,  my  situation,  which  wa» 
advantageous  in  the  beginning  of  the  attack, 
ceased  to  be  so  at  its  close.    Being  almost 
entirely  surrounded  with  such  unequal  num- 
bers, 1  ordered  a  retreat :  but  found  that 
those  of  the  enemy,  who  were  of  the  couiw 


\: 


1.  "! 

'» 


••  •  At 


*it 


M 


\i\ 


:i 


i(i6 


kElAbitt  09* 


iryi  kiii  tiieit  Iftdians,  emldiitn  df/ast  astiiy 
ineHf  though  the  Fegttlars^  cotild  not.  Thus  I 
retreated  »6ar  a  mile ;  aild  some  of  the  eii- 
my,  with  the  savagesf  iVere  continually  flank- 
ing 6ie,  and  others  erowdmg  hard  in  the 
rear.  Ift  fine,  I  expected,  in  a  verjr  short 
time,  to  /ry  the  world  of  spirits :  for  I  was  ap- 
prehensive that  no  qtrarter  would  be  given  to 
me;  and,'  therefore,  I  had  deteri^nihed  to  sell' 
my  life  as  dearly  as  I  could.  One  of  the  en- 
emy's officers,  boldly  pressing  iil  the  rear, 
discharged  hi«  fusee  at  me.  The  ball  whis- 
tled near  toe,  as  did  many  others  that  day.  t 
returned  the  salute^  and  missed  him,  as  runv 
iring  had  put  us  both  nearly  out  of  breath ; 
for  I  conclude  we  were  not  frightened^  t  then 
saluted  him  \Vitb  my  tongue,  in  a  hai^sh  tfian- 
nerj  and  told  him,-  that  inasmuch  as  his  ni^m- 
bers  were  so  far  superior  to;  ttiirie,  I  would 
surrender,  provided  I  cotild  be  treated  With 
honor,  and  be  assured  of  good  quarter  for 
myself,  and  the  Btiefi  who  Were  with  me:  He 
answered  that  I  should.  Another  officer, 
coming  up  soon  after,  confirmed  the  treaty ; 
Upon  which  I  agreed  to  surrender^  with  my 
party,  whicih  th6h  consisted  of  thirty-^one  ef- 
fective'men,  iind  some  wounded,  lorcfcred 
them  to"  ground  their  arms,  Which  they  did 
The  ofScer  I  capitufa-ted  with,  then  di- 
rected me  and  toy  party  to  a;dvtfn<i^  tOWarda 
him,  which  was  done.  I  haAded  him  my 
ivroird  f  tod-,  m  half  a  miiHite  aiter^  a  savage, 


r   .. 


€0L.  i^TH^   AU^EJf. 


107 


;  !-.v. 


ecri- 
lank- 
i  the 
short 
is  ap- 
renta 
Id  sell' 
tieen- 
)  rear, 
whi&- 

lay.   I 
s  ttinv 

reath ; 

f  thett 

h  ttim- 


part  of  whose  *   ad  wa9  shaved,  bein^  n)- 
jnost  naked  aDv  pAuited,  lyith  feathers  mterr 
mixed  with  the  hair  of  the  other  jBide  of  his 
head,  paii^e  rjinoing  towards  me  with  incred- 
ible swiftness.    He  seeiried  to  advance  with 
more  than  mortal  speed.    As  he  approach- 
ed near  me,  his  hellish  visage  was  beyond  alt 
descriptijon.    Snakes^  eyes  appear  innocent 
in  comparison  with  his.    Pis  features  wero 
distorted,  and    malice,  death   and  murder 
were  depicted  upon  his  countenance  ;*  and^ 
when  within  less  than  twelve  feet  of  me,  pre- 
sented his  musket.    At  the  instant  of  hi^ 
present,  I  twitched  the  officer,  to  whom  I 
gave  my  sword,  between  myself  and  him.— - 
He  flew  round,  with  great  fury,  trying  to  sin?, 
gle  me  out  to  shoot  me,  without  killing  tho 
officer;  but,  by  this  time, I  was  near  as  nim- 
ble as  he — keeping  the  officer  ui  such  a  posi-  . 
tion,  that  his  danger  was  my  defence.    In  . 
less  than  a  minute  afterwards,  I  was  attacked 
by  just  such  another  imp.    I  then  made  th« 
officer  fly  around  with  i^icjedible  swiftness. 
One  of  the  Canadians  lost  an  eye,  as  it  ap- 
peared afterwards,  in  taking  my  part;  and, 
80on  after,  an  Irishman  came  to  my  assist- 
ance, with  a  fixed  bayonet,  and  drove  away- 
the  savages;  swearing,  by  J — s,  he  would 
kill  them.    Thi3  tra^c  scene  composed  my 

•  A  portion  af  the  description  of  tliis  *,•  Sa,vage" 
ii  omitted.        ^   .  ,  , 


.t 


k 

•j,  if.: 


•J 


'>-.  ■> 


*'\ 


VV  . 


•  ! 


t. 


-*^: 


108 


MCifoffi  or 


'¥ 


I 


miod.*  The«se«iping  from  so  awful  a  death, 
jnade  even  imprisonment  happy  ;  the  mors 
,80,  as  my  conquerors  on  the  field  treated  mo 
with  great  jci'Vility  and  politeness, 

*'  The  regular  officers  said  they  were  very 
bappy  to  see  Col.  Allen.  I  answered  them, 
that  I  should  rather  chosen  to  have  seen 
^hein  at  Gen.  ]Vlontgomery's  camp^  They 
replied  that  they  gave  full  credit  to  "what  I 
said ;  and,  I  walked  into  the  town,  which 
was,  as  I  should  thinfc,  a  distance  of  more 
than  two  milfes-r-a  British  officer  walking  at 
my  right  hand,  and  one  o^  the  French  wo- 
Hesse  at  my  left.  The  latter  was  in  the  ac-i 
tion,  and  had  his  eye  brow  carried  away  by  a 
glancing  shot :  but  was,  nevertheless,  very 
facetious.  No  abuse  was  offered  me,  until  1 
came  to  the  barrack  yard,  where  I  met  Gen. 
Prescott,  who  asked  me  my  name,  which  I 
told  him.  He  then  asked  me  whether  I  was 
the  CoL  Allen  who  took  Ticonderoga  ?  I 
told  him  I  was  the  very  man.  He  then  shook 
his  cane  ov^r  my  head,  calling  me  many 
hard  namejs ;  among  which  he  frequently  us- 
^d  the^ord  rehel^  and  put  himself  in  a  great 
rage,  i  told  him  he  would  do  w^ell  not  to 
cane  -me,  as  I  was  not  accustomed  to  it  i  and 
shook  my  fist  at  him,  telling  him  that  *^  that 
jW:^s  the  beetle  of  mortality,^''  for  him,  if  he  of- 

*  The  Colonel  was,  surely^  of  a  peculiar  tempe- 
jrament.  Very  few  men,  we  apprehend,  can  gath- 
er composure,  in  a  struggle  between  life  and  death. 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


109 


fer6d  to  strike ;  upon  which,  Capt.  M'Cloud, 
of  the  British,  pulled  him  by  the  skirt,  and 
whisp9red  to  bim^ias  he  afterwards  told  me, 
to  this  import :  that  it  would  be  inconsist- 
ent with  his  honor  to  strike  a  prisoner.  He 
then  ordered  a  sergeant's  command,  with 
fixed  bayonets,  to  come  forward,  and  kill 
thirteen  Canadians,  which  were  included  in 
the  treaty  aforesaid." 

The  cruelty  and  manifest  injustice  of  this 
order,  aroused  the  sensibilities  of  Col.  Al- 
len :  *'  It  cut  me  to  the  heart,"  he  says,  "  to 
see  the  Canadians  in  so  hard  a  case,  in  con- 
sequence of  their  having  been  true  to  me  ; 
they  were  wringing  their  hands,  saying  their 
prayers,  as  I  concluded,  and  expected  imme- 
diate death.  I,  therefore,  stepped  between 
the  executioners  and  the  Canadians,  opened 
my  clothes,  and  told  Gen.  Prescott  to  thrust 
his  bayonet  into  my  breast,  fgr  I  was  the  sole 
cause  of  the  Canadians  taking  up  arms. 

"  The  guard,  in  the  mean  time,  were  rolling 
their  eye-balls  from  the  General  to  me,  as 
though  impatiently  waiting  his  dread  com- 
mands to  sheath  their  bayonets  in  my  heart. 
I  could,  however,  plainly  discern  that  he  was 
in  a  suspense  and  quandary  about  the  matter. 
This  gave  me  additional  hopes  of  succeed- 
ing ;  for  my  design  was  not  to  die,  but  save 
the  Canadians  by  a  finesse.  The  General 
stood  a  minute,  when  he  made  me  the  fol- 
lowing reply  :    "I  will  not  execute  you  now ; 

10 


k'^. 


■1 


'  II. 


1  •» . 


i»'V  < 

[■ ..  ■ 

'■■  T,    ■i'J'  • 

♦    '    j' 


\\ 


\ 


V  ,i 


i 


it  f(. 


% 


J'H' 


\ 


?i 


I! 


no 


BfEMOin   Of 


h 


but  you  shall  grace  a  halter  at  Tyburn,  G-d 
d — ^n  you." 

"  I  remember,  I  disdained  his  mentioning 
such  a  place.  I  was,  notwithstanding,  a  lit^ 
tie  pleased  with  the  expression,  as  it  signifi- 
cantly conveyed  to  me  the  idea  of  postpon- 
ing the  present  appearance  of  death ;  her 
sides  his  sentence  was  by  no  means  final,  a^ 
to  "  gracing  a  halter,"  although  I  had  anxic? 
ty  about  it  after  I  landed  in  England,  ,as  the 
reader  will  find  in  the  course  of  this  history. 
Gen.  Prescott  then  ordered  one  of  his  ofllir 
cers  to  take  me  on  board  the  Gasp^ee  schoon- 
er of  war,  and  confine  me,  hands  and  feet^ 
in  irons;  which  was  done  the  same  after- 
noon I  was  taken. 

>'  The  action  continued  an  hour  and  three 
quarters,  by  the  watch  ;  and  I  know  not,  to 
this  day,  how  many  of  iny  men  were  killed, 
though  I  thifik  there  were  but  few :  if  I  re- 
member right,  seven  were  wounded.  One  of 
them,  William  Stewart,  by  nam^,  was  ,wound- 
ed  by  a  savage  with  a  tomahawk,  after  he 
was  taken  prisoner  and  disarmed,  but  was 
rescued  by  some  of  the  generous  enemy  ; 
and  so  far  recovered  pf  his  wounds,  that  he 
afterwards  went  with  the  other  prisoners  to 
England. 

"  Of  the  enemy  were  killed,  a  Major  Car- 
den,  who  bad  been  wounded  in  eleven  difl^er- 
ent  battles,  and  an  eminent  merchant^  Pat- 
terson, of  Montreal,  and  some  others ;  but  I 


r* 


<;0L.   ETHAN   ALLEN/ 


111 


ming 
a  lit. 
gnifi- 
tpon- 
;  be? 
al,  a9 
inxier 
as  the 
Lstory. 
is  offir 
:hoon- 
d  feet^ 
after- 

d  three 
not,  to 
killed, 
,f  I  re- 
•ne  of 
ivound- 
fter  he 
it  was 
[nerny ; 
hat  ha 
ers  to 


nerer  knew  their  los^,' as  thek  accounts  were 
diiTerent.  I  am  apprehensive  that  it  is  rare, 
that  so  much  ammunition  was  expended,  and 
so  little  execution  done  by  it ;  though  such 
of  my  party,  as  stood  their  ground,  behaved 
with  great  fortitude,  much  exceeding  that  of 
the  enen^y,  but  were  not  the  best  of  marks- 
meny  and,  I  am  apprehensive,  were  all  killed 
or  taken ;  the  wounded  were  all  put  into  the 
hospital  at  Montreal,  and  those  that  were 
noty  were  put  on  board  of  different  vessels  in 
the  river,  and  shackled  together  by  pairs, 
viz :  two  men  fastened  together  by  one  hand- 
cuff, being  closely  fixed  to  one  wrist  of  each 
of  them,  and  treated  with  the  greatest  se- 
verity^  nay  as  criminals^ 

"  I  now  Qome  to  the  description  of  the 
irons,  which  were  put  on  me :  'J'he  hand-cuff 
was  of  a  common  size,  and  form,  but  my  leg 
irons,  I  should  imagine,  -would  weigh  thirty 
pounds.  The  bar  was  eight  feet  long,  and 
very  substantial ;  the  shackles,-  which  en- 
compassed ray  ancles,  were  very  tight.  I 
was  told  by  the  officer,  who  put  theni  on,  that 
it  was  the  King's  piate,  and  I  heard  other  of 
their  officers  say^  that  it  would  weigh  forty 
weight.  The  irons  were  so  close  upon  my 
ancles,  that  I  could  not  He  down  in  any  other 
manner,  than  on  my  backw  I  was  put  into 
the  lowest  and  most  wretched  part  of  the 
vessel,  where  I  got  the  favor  of  a  chest  to 
sit  on ;  the  same  answered  for  my  bed  at 


'  n 


(  >■ 


'■'     '  4 


'.,  ' 


\ 


■j 


■i 


..I 


V 


".  N 


112 


MEMOIR    OF 


night ;  and  having  procured  some  little 
blocks  of  the  guard,  who,  day  and  night, 
with  fixed  bayonets,  watched  over  me,  to  lie 
under  each  end  of  the  large  bar  of  mv  leg 
irons,  to  preserve  my  ancles  from  galling, 
while  I  sat  on  the  chest,  or  lay  back  on  the 
same,  though  most  of  the  time,  night  and 
day,  I  sat  on  it ;  but  at  length,  having  a  desire 
to  lie  down  on  my  side,  which  the  closeness 
of  the  irons  forbid,  I  desired  the  Captain  to 
loosen  them  for  that  purpose ;  but  was  de- 
nied the  favor:  The  Captain's  name  was 
Royal,  who  did  not  seem  to  be  an  ill-natured 
man ;  but  oftentimes  said,  that  his  expresls 
orders  were  to  treat  me  with  such  severity, 
which  was  disagreeable  to  his  own  feelings  ; 
nor  did  he  ever  insult  me,  though  many  oth- 
ers, who  came  on  board,  did.  One  of  the 
officers,  by  the  name  of  Bradley,  was  very 
generous  to  me ;  he  would  often  send  me 
victuals  from  his  own  table ;  nor  did  a  day 
fail,  but  he  sent  me  a  good  drink  of  grog. 

•'  The  reader  is  now  invited  back  to  the 
time  I  was  put  into  irons.  I  requested  the 
privilege  to  write  to  Gen.  Prescott,  which 
was  granted.  I  reminded  him  of  the  kind 
and  generous  manner  of  my  treatment  of  the 
prisoners  I  took  at  Ticonderoga  ;  the  injus- 
tice and  ungentleman-like  usage,  which  I  had 
met  with  from  him,  and  demanded  gentleman 
like  usafije.  but  received  no  answer  froiti  him. 
I  soon  after  wrote  to  Gen.  Carlton,  which  met 


!':? 


COL.   ETHA^  ALLEN* 


113 


•the  mxtie  siiccess.  In  the  mean  while,  many 
of  those  who  were  permitted  to  see  me,  were 
Very  insulting. 

*'  I  wa»  confined  in  the  manner  I  have  re- 
lated, on  board  the  Gaspee  schooner,  about 
six  weeks;  during  which  time  I  was  obliged 
to  throw  out  plenty  of  extravagant  language, 
which  answered  certain  purposes,  at  that 
time,  better  than  to  grace  a  history. 

'*  To  give  an  instance^  upon  being  insulted, 
in  a  fit  of  auger,  I  twisted  off  a  nail  with  my 
teeth,  which  I  took  to  be  a  ten-penny  nail ;  it 
went  through  the  mortice  of  the  bar  of  my 
hand-cuff,  and  at  the  same  time,  I  swaggered 
over  those  who  abused  me ;  particularly  a 
Doctor  Dace,  who  told  me  that  1  was  out- « 
lawed  by  New  York,  and  deserved  death  for 
several  rears  past ;  was  at  last  fully  ripened . 
for  the  kailter,  aind  in  a  fair  way  to  obtain  it : 
When  I  challenged  him,  he  excused  himself 
in  consequence,  as  he  said,  of  my  bbing  a 
eriiftinal ;  but  I  flung  such  a  flood  of  lan- 
guiage  at  him,  that  it  shocked  him'  and  the 
spectators,  for  my  anger  was  very  great.    I 
heard  one  say^ "  danm  him,  can  he  eat  iron  .^" 
After  that  a  small  padlock  was  fixed  to  the 
hand-cuff,  instead  of  the  nmh,  and  as  they 
were  mean  spirited  in  their  treatment  to  me, 
to  it  appealed  to  me,  that  they  were  equally 
thhrqiroirsf  and  cowardly." 

G6l  Atlen,  with  the  other  prisonersr  wimi 

t^eti  to  KH  armed  vessel^   whrcfa  lay  ojipr 

10  ♦  ^> 


i. 


!•■■, 


'?. 


'. 


ti 


'IE 


■     \ 


, 


« 


•It- 


'i 


m 


\^  >tl 


114 


MEMOIR   OP 


afirainst  Quebec,  under  the  command  ofCapt 
IVrCloud,  of  the  British,  who  extended  to- 
wards him  the  courtesy  due  from  one  officer 
to  another,  and  the  kindness  due  misfortune. 
In  about  twenty  four  hours,  however,  he  re- 
luctantly bade  him  farewell :  But  his  good 
fortune  still  continued.  The  officer  to  whose 
vessel  he  was  transferred  (Capt.  Littlejohn) 
was  polite,  generous  and  friendlv :  and 
the  under  officers  were  equally  kind  in 
their  manners.  The  best  fare  of  the  vessel 
was  at  his  disposal ;  and,  what  was  equally 
gratifying  to  his  feelings,  he  was  permitted 
to  occupy  the  cabin,  untrammelled  with  his 
irons.  Capt.  Littlejohn  declaring  "that  a 
brave  man  should  not  be  used  as  a  rascal  on 
board  his  ship." 

The  Colonel,  in  his  "  JVarrative,''^  relates 
the  following  incident  which  occurred  while 
he  was  on  board  this  vessel,  which  will  give 
the  reader  an  insight  into  the  confidence  en- 
tertained by  the  commander  for  his  honour 
and  uprightness,  and  also  shew  hjs  willing- 
ness at  any  time,  and  under  any  circumstan- 
ces, to  encounter  danger : 

"  Capt.  Littlejohn  us^d  to  go  to  Qeubec  al- 
most every  day,  in  order  to  pay  his  respects 
to  certain  gentlemen  and  ladies ;  being  there 
on  a  certain  day,  he  happened  to  meet  with 
some  disagreeable  treatment,  as  he  imagin- 
ed, from  a  Lieut,  of  a  man  of  war,  and  one 
word,  brought  on  another,  'till  the  lieuL 


■  *i 


COL.   ETIIAIf   ALLEN. 


115 


challenged  him  to  a  duel  on  the  plains  of 
Abraham.  Capt.  Littlejohn  was  a  gentleman 
who  entertained  a  h'gh  sense  of  honor,  and 
could  do  no  less  than  accept  the  challenge. 

**  At  nine  o'clock  the  next  morning,  they 
were  to  fight.  The  Capt.  returned  in  the 
evening,  and  acc^uainted  his  Lieutenant  and 
me  with  the  aOair :  His  Lieutenant  was  a 
high  blooded  Scotchman  as  well  as  himself, 
who  replied  to  his  Captain,  that  he  should 
not  want  for  a  second.  With  this  I  interruptr 
ed  hinit  and  gave  the  Captain  to  understand, 
that,  since  an  opportunity  had  presented,  I 
would  be  glad  to  testify  my  gratitude  to  him, 
by  acting  the  part  of  a  faithful  second,  on 
which  he  gave  me  nis  hand,  and  said  that  he 
wanted  no  better  man.  Says  he,  I  am  a  King's 
officer,  and  you  a  prisoner  under  my  care ; 
you  must,  therefore,  go  with  me  to  the  place 
appointed  under  disguise,  and  added  farther ; 
**  you  must  engage  me  upon  the  honor  of  a 
'gentleman,  that,  whether  I  die  or  live,  or 
whatever  happens,  provided  you  live,  that 
you  will  return  to  my  Lieutenant,  on  board 
this  ship.''  All  this  I  solemnly  engaged  him. 
The  combatants  were  to  discharge  each  a 
pocket  pistol,  and  then  to  fall  on  with  their 
iron-hiked  muckle  whangers ;  and  one  of 
that  sort  was  allotted  for  me ;  but  some  Bril^ 
isb  officers,  who  interposed  early  in  the  morfi« 
ing  settled  the  controversy  without  fighting.** 

After  enjoying  eight  or  nine  days  of  hag* 


T; 


it 


•i 


'1. 


f  *• 


•  'i 


' 


T 


J* 


^1 

I 


( 


>  il 


116 


MEAdik  Or 


m 


ini 


pificss,  froiA'  the  polite  and  j^bher^Ud  tireit- 
men t  of  Capt.  Littlejohn  andTiis  officers,  he 
patted  with  them  in  a*  friendly  mannef,  and 
with  much  regtet,  on  the  11th  of  November. 
At  the  period  of  his  removal,  a  detachment 
of  Gen.  Arnold^s  army  appeared  on  Point 
Levi>^  opposite  Quebec,^  who  had  performed 
an  extaordinar]^  march,  through  the  wilder- 
ness, with  a  design  to  surprise  the  capital  of 
Canada  :  knd  to  thi«  fact,  perhttps,  is  to  be 
attributed  his  ehange  of  quarters.  He  was 
now  removed  to  a  vessel  called  the  ^^  Ada- 
mant,^' together  with  the  other  American 
•prisoners,  and  put  under  the  power  of  2^u 
English  merchant,  from  London,  named 
Brook  Watson  i  t  itittn  of  malicious  and  cru- 
el disposition,  and  much  excited  in  the  exer- 
cise of  his  malevdience,  by  a  junto  of  tories : 
among  whom  were  CoL  Guy  Jeihnsoii,  Col. 
Clmsj  and  thek  attendants  and  associates,  to 
th'e  numfb^r  of  abottt  thirty.  The  ship's  crew, 
liowever,  with  the  exception  of  Col.  tJloss, 
m  his  perssOnal  behavior,  treated  the  prison- 
ers Witn  that  ^irit  of  bitrernefis,.  *'  Which,''' 
says  Col.  Atlen,  '^  id  the  peculid^  cHaracteris- 
rtic  6f  tOries,  Whe^th^yhave  tli^  friends  of 
AmetiCft  kk  their  power-^measnrhig  tiieir 
Ibyalcy  to  fhe  Snglii^b  Ki»g  by  the  biai'b^tyify, 
ftmS  etUd  dedek  Whi;<^h  they  e:8{ereiB6  tCPWaarda 
ttiewft^.'^ 

^  liitti,  a  point  of'land  in*  (^e  rif  er  St  iLawre&ce, 
'<lppb8irethecirf  of  Qu^Btfe.    ' 


L    !• 


COL.   ETHAN    ALLEN. 


117 


A  Binall  place  in  the  vcsscK  enclosed  with 
white-oak  plank,  was  assigned  for  the  prison- 
ers, and  for  Col.  Allen  aiuon^  the  rest — it 
heing  about  twenty  feel  *^.no  way,  and  twenty 
two  the  other.  Into  this  confined  place  they 
were  all,  to  the  number  of  thirty-four,  thrust, 
and  hand-cuffed.  **  In  this  circumference,"  he 
observes,  "  we  were  obliged  to  eat  and  per- 
form the  offices  of  evacuation,  during  the  voy- 
age to  England ;  and  were  insulted  by  evary 
black-guard  sailor  and  tory  on  board,  in  the 
cruellest  manner ;  but  what  is  the  most  sur- 
prizing is,  that  not  one  of  us  died  in  the  pas- 
sage. When  I  was  first  ordered  to  go  into 
the  filthy  enclosure,  through  a  small  sort  of 
door.  I  positively  refused,  and  endeavoured 
to  reason  the  before  named  Brook  Watson 
out  of  a  conduct  so  derogatory  to  every  sen- 
timent of  honor  and  humanity,  but  all  to  no 
purpose,  my  men  being  forced  in  the  den  al- 
ready ;  and  the  rascal  who  had  the  charge 
of  the  prisoners  commanded  me  to  go  imme- 
diately in  among  the  rest :  He  farther  ad- 
ded that  the  "  place  was  good  enough  for  a 
rebel — that  it  was  impertinent  for  a  capital 
ofibnder  to  talk  of  honor  or  humanity ;  that 
any  thing  short  of  a  halter,  was  too  good  for 
me ;"  and  that  "  that  would  be  my  portion, 
soon  after  I  landed  in  England ;  for  which 
purpose,  only,  I  was  sent  thither."  About 
the  same  time  a  Lieutenant  among  the  to- 


i 


t 


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:    ' 


f  •«• 


V. 


♦  , 


'i. 


Ml 

;.■ 

■\ 

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■M 


$: 


U8 


ilEMOIR   01^' 


L   ■■£ 


1    i 


i' 


ries^  msiiltcd  me  in  a  grievous  manner,  sray^ 
ing  that  I  "  ought  to  have  been  executed  for 
my  rebellion  against  New  York^"  and  spit  in 
my  face  ;  tipon  which,  though  I  was  hand- 
cuffed, I  sprang  at  him,  with  both  hands,  and 
knocked  him  partly  down,  but  he  scrambled 
along  into  the  cabin,  and  I  after  him.  There 
he  got  under  the  protection  of  some  men 
with  fixed  bayonets,  who  were  ordered  to 
make  ready  to  drive  me  into  the  plate  afore- 
mentioned. I  challenged  him  to  fight,  not- 
withstanding the  impediments  that  were  on 
my  hands,  and  had  the  exalted  pleasure  to 
see  the  rascal  tremble  for'  fear ;  his  name\I 
have  forgotten;  but  WatSoft  ordered  his 
guard  to  get  me  into  the  place  w  ith  the  oth- 
er prisoners,  dead  or  alive ;  and  I  had  al- 
most as  Hef  die  as  do  it,  standing  out  till 
they  environed  me  round  with  bayonets; 
and  brutish,  prejudiced,  abandoned  wretches 
they  were^  from  whom  I  could  expect  noth- 
ing but  death  or  wounds  :  However,  I  told 
them  that  they  were  good  honest  fellows ; 
that  I  could  not  blame  them ;  that  1  was  on- 
ly in  dispute  with  a  calico  merchant^  who  knew 
not  how  to  behave  towards  a  gentleman  of 
the  military  establishments  This  I  spoke 
rather  to  appease  them  for  my  own  preser- 
vation, as  well  as  to  treat  Watson  with  con- 
tempt ;  but  still  I  found  that  they  were  de- 
termined to  force  me  into  the  wretched  cir- 
cumstances, which  their  prejudiced  and  de-^ 


■r     (/■■ 


:ii 


r,  gray'-' 
ed  for 
spit  in 
hanii- 
ts,  and 
iHibled 
There 
e  men 
ered  to 
3  afore- 
it,  not- 
rtte  on 
sure  to 
name\l 
•ed   his 
^he  oth- 
had  al- 
;  out  till 
yonets; 
retches 
t  noth- 
,  I  told 
fellows ; 


jCOL,   ETHAN   ALLEN« 


119 


praved  minds  had  prepared  for  me :    There? 
fore,  rather  than  die,  I  submitted  to  their  in- 
dignities, being  drove  with  bayonets,  into  tho 
fihhy    dungeon,    \yith  the   other  prisoners,  ■ 
where  we  were  denied  fresh  water,  except  a 
small  allowance,  which  was  very  inadequate 
to  our  wants  ;  and,  in  consequence  of  tho 
stench  of  the  place,  each  of  us  was  soon  fol- 
lowed with  a  diarrhoea  and  fey  or,  whicli  oc- 
casioned an  intolerable  thirst.     When  wo 
asked  for  water,  we  were,  most  commonly, 
instead  of  obtaining  it,  insulted  and  derided ; 
and,  to  add  to  all  the  horrors  of  the  place, 
it  was  so  dark  that  we  could  not  sec  each 
other,  and  were  overspread  with  body  lice^ 
We  had,  notwithstanding   these  severities, 
full  allowance  of  salt  provisions,  and  a  gill 
of  rum  per  day ;  the  latter  of  which  was  of 
the  utmost  service  to  us,  and,  probably,  ^\a^ 
the  means  of  saving  several  of  pur  lives. — ? 
About  forty  days  we  existed  in  this  manner, 
when  the  land's  end  of  England  was  discov- 
ered from  the  mast  head  ;  soon  after  which, 
the  prisoners  were  taken  from  their  gloomy 
abode,  being  permitted  to  see  the  light  of 
the  sun,  and  breathe   fresh  air,  Avhich  to  us 
was  very  refreshing.     The   day  followins; 
we  landed  at  Falmouth. 

"  A  few  days  before  I  was  taken  prisoner^ 
I  shifted  my  clothes,  in  which  I  happened  to 
he  taken :  a  Canadian  dress,  viz :  a  short 
fawn  skin  jacket,  double  breasted,  an  under 


\ 


V 


'mi     \     • 


u 


'4 


1. 


l! 


i> 


H 


*I4 


V 


120 


MEMOIR   OF 


!■' 


h 


¥,h 

k 


vest  and  breeches  of  sagathy,  worsted  stock- 
ings, a  decent  pair  of  shoes,  two  plain  shirts 
and  a  red  worsted  cap  :  This  was  all  the 
clothing  I  had,  in  which  I  made  my  appear- 
ance in  England." 

The  landing  of  the  prisoners,  at  Falmouth, 
created  much  commotion  among  the  citizens 
of  that  place,  excited,  as  they  were,  by  the 
report  that  the  conqueror  of  Ticonderoga 
was  among  them.  Numbers  of  the  people 
pie  were  on  the  roofs  of  the  houses,  and  the 
rising  grounds  adjacent  were  covered  with 
both  sexes.    The  throng  was  so  great,  that 

I  the  King's  officers  were  obliged  to  draw  thejr 
swords  and  force  a  passage  to  Pendenilis 
castle,  which  was  about  a  mile  from  the 
town,  where  the  prisoners,  upon  arrival,were 
closely  confined,  in  consequence  of  orders 
from  Gen.  Carlton,  who  then  commanded  in 
Canada. 

Brook  Watson,  who  had  so  shamefully 
abused  and  maltreated  the  prisoners,  imme- 
diately set  out  for  London,  expecting  a  re- 

'  ward  for  his  inhumanity :  but  the  Ministry 
received  him  with  coldness-^the  minority, 
(the  Whigs)  in  Parliament  arguing  that  the 
opposition  of  the  Americans  to  the  power  of 
Great  Britain,  was  not  a  rebellion;  but  a 
measure  justified  by  the  numerous  evils  to 

\\  which  they  had  been  subjected  by  the  op- 
pressive pohcy  of  the  ministry.  "  If  it  be  a 
rebellion,"  they  argued,  "  why  do  you  not  ex- 


1 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


121 


ecute  Col.  Allen  according  to  law  ?    Why 
not  give  him  an  impartial  trial  ?    Why  de- 
stroy his  life  by  a  course  of  slow,  and  rigor- 
ous punishment  ?"    The  majority  (the  To- 
ries,) maintained  that  the  opposition  of  the 
Americans  was  really  a  rebellion, — and  that 
Col.  Allen  deserved  execution ;  but  that  pol- 
icy oh\\gQ^  them  to  spare  his  life,  inasmuch 
as  the  Americans  were  in  possession  of  the 
greatest  number  of  prisoners !     "So  that  my 
being  sent  to  England,"  says  Col.  Allen,  "for 
the  purpose  of  being  executed,  and  they  be- 
ing restrained,  by  necessity,  from  the   act, 
was  rather  a  foil  of  their  laws  and  authority ; 
and  they,  consequently,  disapproved  of  my 
being  sent  there."     The  result  of  their  delib- 
erations or  the  course  of  their  policy,  how- 
ever, never  came  to  the  knowledge  of  Col. 
Allen,  until  after  his  arrival  in  America. 

^'The  reader  will  readily  conceive,"  he  ob- 
serves, "that  I  was  anxious  about  my  preser- 
vation, knowing  that  I  was  in  the  power  of 
a  haughty  and  cruel  nation.  Therefore,  the 
first  proposition  which  I  determined  in  my 
own  mind  was,  that  humanity  and  moral  sua- 
sion would  not  be  consulted  in  the  determin- 
ing of  my  fate ;  and  those  that  daily  came  in 
great  numbers,  out  of  curiosity  to  see  me, 
both  gentle  and  simple,  united  in  this,  that  I 
would  be  hanged.  A  gentleman  from  Amer- 
ica, by  the  name  of  Temple,  and  who  was 
friendly  to  me,  just  whispered  me  in  the  ear, 

11 


•  !  ■  Ji 

V.  jv 


I 


•         x% 


»* 


iu 


'i!^ 


t  \i 


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r 


*  > 


.1 

it 


122 


mSBfOIR    OP 


*■•/- 


ni 


and  told  me  that  bets  were  laid  in  London^ 
that  I  would  be  executed ;  he  likewise  pri- 
vately gave  me  a  guinea,  but  durst  say  but 
little  to  ine. 

"However,  agreeable  to  my  first  negative 
proposition,  that  moral  virtue  wopld  A^t  in- 
fluence my  destiny,  I  had  recourse  |tp  strata- 
gem, which  I  was  in  hopes  would  move  in 
the  circle  of  their  policy.  I  requested  of  the 
commander  of  the  castle  the  privilege  of  wri- 
ting to  Congress,  who,  after  consulting  with 
an  officer  that  lived  in  town  of  a  superior 
rank,  permitted  me  to  write.  I  wrote  in  the 
fore  part  of  my  letter,  a  short  narrative  of  n^y 
ill  treatment ;  but  withal  let  them  know  that, 
though  I  was  treated  as  a  criminal  in  Eng- 
land, and  continued  in  irons,  together  with 
those  taken  with  me,  yet  it  was  in  conse* 
quence  of  the  orders  which  the  commander 
of  the  castle  received  from  Gen.  Carlton ;  and, 
therefore,  desired  Congress  to  desist  from 
matters  of  retaliation,  till  they  should  know 
the  result  of  the  government  in  England,  re- 
specting their  ill  treatment  towards  me,  and 
govern  themselves  accordingly,  with  a  par- 
ticular request  that  if  retaliation  shonld  be 
found  necessary,  it  might  be  exercised  not 
according  to  the  smallness  of  my  character 
in  America.,  but  in  proportion  to  the  irapor* 
tance  of  the  cause  for  which  I  suffered — This 
is,  according  to  my  present  recollection,  the 
substance  of  the  letter,  inscribed,  "7b  the  II' 


^  I  .* 


cot.   EtJiAIf   AltEN. 


123 


hsiriom  Continental  Congress,'^^  Tliii*  letter 
was  written  with  ft  view  that  it  should  be  sent 
to  the  ministry  at  London^  rather  thaft  to 
Congress^  with  a  design  to  intimidate  the 
haughty  English  Government,  and  screen  my 
neck  from  the  haker. 

*'The  next  day,  the  officer,  frohi  V^hom  I  ob^ 
tained  license  to  write^  catoe  to  see  me,  and 
frowned  on  me  on  account  of  the  impudence 
of  the  letter^  as  he  phrased  it^  and  farther 
added,  "Do  you  think  that  we  are  fools  in 
England,  and  would  send  your  letter  to  Con- 
gress, with  instructions  to  retaliate  on  our 
own  people  ?  I  have  sent  your  letter  to  Lord 
North."  This  gave  me  inward  satisfaction, 
although  I  carefully  concealed  it  with  a  pre- 
tended resentment,  for  I  found  I  had  come 
Yankee  over  him^  and  that  the  letter  had 
gone  to  the  identical  person  I  had  designed 
it  for-  Nor  do  I  know,  to  this  day,  but  that 
it  had  the  desired  effect,  though  I  have  not 
heatd  any  thing  of  the  letter  since. 

"My  personal  treatment  by  Lieut.  Hamil- 
ton, who  commanded  the  castle,  was  very 
generous.  He  sent  me  every  day  a  fine  break- 
fest  and  dinner  from  his  own  table,  and  a  bot- 
tle of  good  wine.  Another  aged  gentleman, 
whose  name  I  cannot  recollect,  sent  me  a 
good  supper :  But  there  was  no  distinction 
in  pubUc  support  between  me  and  the  pri- 
vates ;  we  all  lodged  on  a  sort  of  Dutch 
bunks^in  one  common  apartment,  and  were 


l!  i  h 

■    j ; i  '* 


*/' 


*. 


il- 


\ 


H 


124 


MEMOIR   OF 


; 


t.  V 


W 


allowed  straw. ,  The  privates  were  well  sup- 
plied with  fresh  provisions,  and  with  me, 
took  eftectual  measures  to  rid  themselves  of 
lice. 

"I  could  not  but  feel,  inwardly,  extremely 
anxious  for  my  fate.  This  I,  however,  con- 
cealed from  the  prisoners,  as  well  as  from 
the  enemy,  who  were  perpetually  shakini^ 
the  halter  at  me.  I,  nevertheless,  treated 
them  with  scorn  and  contempt :  and,  having 
sent  my  letter  to  the  ministry,  could  conceive 
of  nothing  more  in  my  power,  but  to  keep 
up  my  spirits,  behave  in  a  daring,  soldier- 
'like  manner,  tiit^t  I  might  exhibit  a  good  sait> 
pie  of  American  fortitude.  Such  conduct, 
I  judged,  would  have  a  more  probable  tend- 
ency to  my  preservation  than  concession  and 
timidity.  This,  therefore,  was  my  deport- 
ment ;  and  I  had  lastly  determined,  in  my 
own  mind,  that  if  a  cruel  death  must  inevita- 
bly be  my  portion,  I  would  face  it  undaunted  ; 
and  though  I  greatly  rejoice  that  I  have  re- 
turned to  my  country  and  friends,  and  to  see 
the  power  and  pride  of  Great  Britain  hum- 
bled ;  yet  I  am  confident  I  could  then  have 
died  without  the  least  appearance  of  dismay. 

"I  now  clearly  recollect  that  my  mind  was 
so  resolved,  that  I  would  not  have  trembled 
or  shewn  the  least  fear,  as  I  was  sensible  it 
'  could  not  alter  my  fate,  nor  do  more  than  re- 
proach my  memory,  make  my  last  act  despi- 
cable to  my  enemies,  and  eclipse  the  other 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


J  25 


•)^ 


>••.• 


II  supn 
th  me, 
Ives  of 

remely 
T,  con- 
is  from 
ihakini; 
treated 
having 
onceive 

;o  keep 
soldier- 
od  8ait> 
jonduct, 
le  tend- 
isionand 
deport- 
d,  in  my 
inevita- 
aunted ; 
have  rc- 
d  to  see 
n  hum- 
n  have 
dismay, 
ind  was 
rembled 
sible  it 
thur.  re- 
it  despi- 
le  other 


actions  of  my  life.    For  I  reasoned  thus,  that 
BOthing  was  more  common  than  for  men  to 
die  with  their  friends  around  them,  weeping 
and  lamenting  over  them,  but  not  able  to 
help  them,  which  was,  in  reality,  not  differ- 
ent in  the  consequence  of  it,  from  such  a 
death  as  I  was  apprehensive  of;  and,  as  death 
was  the  natural  consequence  of  animal  life, 
to  which  the  laws  of  nature  subject  mankind, 
to  be  timorous  and  uneasy  as  to  the  event  or 
manner  of  it,  was  inconsistent  with  the  char- 
acter of  a  philosopher  or  soldier.  The  cause 
I  was  engaged  in,  I  ever  viewed  worthy  haz- 
arding my  life  for ;  nor  was  I,  in  the  most 
critical  moments  of  trouble,  sorry  that  I  en- 
gaged in  it :    And,  as  to  the  world  of  spirits, 
though  I  knew  nothing  of  the  mode  or  man- 
ner of  it,  I  expected,  nevertheless,  when  I 
should  arrive  at  such  a  world,  that  I  should 
be  as  well  treated  as  other  gentlemen  of  my 
merit. 

"Among  the  great  numbers  of  people,  who 
came  to  the  castle  to  see  the  prisoners,  some 
gentlemen  told  me,  that  they  had  come  fifty 
miles  on  purpose  to  see  me :  and  desired  to 
ask  me  a  number  of  questions,  and  to  make 
iteid  with  me  in  conversation.  I  gave  for  my 
OQSwer,  that  I  chose  freedom  in  every  sense 
of  the  word  :  Then  one  of  them  asked  me 
what  my  occupation  in  life  had  been  ?  I 
.aaswerea  him,  that  in  my  younger  days,  I 
b%^i|t|)die4  diirinity,  but  wai^  aconj^rQr  hT- 


*' 


M 


:l., 


i  ' 


I 


/!• 


i 


«  1 


t 


ij 


\\ 
n 

■1 


5«i 


n 


U 


III 


m 

P 
It 


1 11 


126 


MEMOIR    OF 


profession.  He  replied,  that  I  coniur«^d 
wrong  at  the  time  I  was  taken  ;  and  1  was 
obhged  to  own,  that  I  mistook  a  figue  at  that 
time,  but  that  I  had  conjured  them  out  of  Ti- 
conderoga.  This  was  a  place  of  great  no- 
toriety in  England,  so  that  the  joke  seemed 
to  go  in  my  favor. 

»  '*It  was  a  common  thing  for  me  to  be  ta- 
ken out  of  close  confinement,  into  a  spacious 
green  in  the  castle,  or  rather  parade,  where 
numbers  of  gentlemen  and  ladies  were  rea- 
dy to  see  and  hear  me.  I  often  entertained 
such  audiences  with  harrangues  on  the  im- 
practicability of  Great  Britain  conqueririg 
then  colonies  of  America.  x\t  one  of  these 
times,  I  asked  a  gentleman  for  a  bowl  of 
punch,  and  he  ordered  his  servant  to  bring  it, 
which  he  did,  and  oflered  it  to  me  :  but  I  re- 
fused to  take  it  from  the  hand  of  his  servant 
— he  then  gave  it  to  me  with  his  own  hand, 
refusing  to  drink  with  me,  in  consequence  of 
my  bemg  a  state  criminal :  However,  I  took 
the  punch  and  drank  it  all  down  at  one 
draught,  and  handed  the  gentleman  the  bowl. 
This  made  the  spectators,  as  well  as  my- 
self, merry. 

"I  expatiated  on  American  freedom  :  This 
gained  the  resentment  of  a  young  beardless 
^  gentleman  of  the  company,  who  gave  him- 
self very  great  airs,  and  replied,  that  he 
*'knew  the  Americans  very  well,  and  was  cer- 
tain that  they  could  not  bear  the  smell  of 


^7^...rv. 


i 


I  i 


COL.   CTIIAn  ALLEN 


127 


powder.**  I  replied,  tliat  I  accepted  it  as  a 
challenge,  and  was  ready  to  convince  him  on 
the  spot,  that  an  American  could  bear  the 
smell  of  powder ;  at  which  he  answered  that 
he  should  not  put  himself  on  a  par  with  me. 
I  then  demanded  of  him  to  treat  the  charac- 
ter of  the  Americans  with  due  respect.  He 
answered  that  I  was  an  Irishman ;  but  I  as- 
sured him,  that  I  was  a  full  blooded  Yankee : 
and,  in  fine,  bantered  him  so  much,  that  ho 
left  me  in  possession  of  the  ground,  and  the 
laugh  went  against  him.  Two  clergymen 
came  to  see  me,  and,  inasmuch  as  they  be- 
haved with  civility,  I  returned  them  the 
same :  We  discoursed  on  several  parts  of 
moral  philosophy  and  Christianity  ;  arid  they 
seemed  to  be  surprised,  that  I  should  be  ac- 
quainted with  such  topics,  or  that  I  should 
understand  a  syllogism,  or  regular  mode  of 
argumentation.  I  am  apprehensive  my  Ca- 
nadian dress  contributed  not  a  little  to  the 
surprise,  and  excitement  of  curiosity.  To 
see  a  gentleman  in  England,  regularly  dress- 
ed, and  well  behaved,  would  be  no  sight  at 
all ;  but  such  a  rebel,  as  they  were  pleased 
to  call  me,  it  is  probable,  was  never  before 
i^en  in  England. 

"The  prisoners  were  landed  at  Falmouth, 
a  few  days  before  Christmas,  and  ordered  on 
board  the  Solebay  frigate,  Capt.  Symonds, 
the  eighth  day  of  January,  1776,  when  our 
hand  irons  were  taken  ofE    This  remove 


*.' 


'.V 


u  ^ . 


. 


4 


4; 


'>: 


I 


m 


'■ 


I 


I  '  .Jl' 


% 


I    - 


128 


HEMOm  OF 


was  in  consequence,  asr  I  have  been  siiTce  in- 
formed,  of  a  writ  of  habeas  corp*js,  which 
had  been  procured  by  some  gentlemen  in 
England,  in  order  to  obtain  me  my  liberty. 
*  *^The  Solcbay,  with  sundry  other  men  of 
war,  and  about  fbrty  transports,  rendezvous- 
ed at  the  cove  of  Cork  in  Ireland,  to  take  in 
provisions  and  water. 

♦*When  we  were  first  brought  on  board, 
Capt.  Symonds  ordered  all  the  prisoners,  and 
most  of  the  hands  on  board,  to  go  on  the 
deck,  and  caused  to  be  read,  in  their  hearing, 
a  certain  code  of  laws,  or  rules  for  the  reg- 
ulation and  ordering  of  their  behavior ;  hii4 
then,  in  a  sovereign  manner,  ordered  the 
,   prisoners,  me  in  particular,  off  the  deck,  and 
never  to  come  on  it  again ;  for,  said  he,  this 
is  a  place  for  gentlemen  to  walk.    So  I  weni 
,  off,  an  officer  following  me,  who  told  me, 
that  he  would  shew  me  the  place  allotted  for 
me,  and  took  me  down  to  the  cable  tire,  say- 
ing to  me,  "this  is  your  place." 

**Frior  to  this^  I  had  taken  cold ;  by  which 
I  was  in  an  iil  state  of  health,  and  did  not 
say  much  to  the  officer  ;  but  stayed  there 
that  night— consulted  my  pohcy,  and  found 
I  was  in  an  evil  case  ;  that  a  Captain  of  a 
man  of  war  was  more  arbitrary  than  a  King, 
as  he  could  view  his  territory  with  a  look  of 
Ms  eye,  and  a  movement  of  his  finger  com- 
manaed  obedience.  I  felt  myself  more  d^ 
tipott^g^  than  I  had  nit  any  time  before  y  fer 


1,1,  ^' 


r 


COL.   ETHAN   A&LEIT^ 


129 


I  concluded  it  to  be  a  governmental  scheme, 
to  do  that,  clandestinely,  which  policy  for* 
bid  to  be  done  under  sanction  of  public  jus- 
tice and  law. 

"However,  two  days  after,  I  shaved  and 
cleansed  myself  as  well  as  I  could,  and  went 
on  deck.  The  Captain  spake  to  me  in  a 
great  rage,  and  said,  "Did  I  not  order  yoa 
not  to  come  on  deck  ?"  I  answered  him, 
that  at  the  same  time  he  said,  "That  it  was 
the  place  for  gentlemen  to  walk ;  that  I  was 
Col.  Allen,  but  had  not  been  properly  intro^ 
duccd  to  him. '  He  replied,  "G-d  damn  you, 
sir,  be  careful  not  to  walk  the  same  side  o( 
the  deck  that  I  do."  This  gave  me  encour- 
agement, and  ever  after  that,  I  walked  in  the 
manner  he  had  directed,  except  when  he,  at 
certain  times  afterwards,  ordered  mo.  6ft'  in  a 
passion,  and  I  then  would  directly  afterwards 
go  on  again,  telling  him  to  command  his 
slaves  ;  that  I  was  a  gentleman,  and  had  a 
right  to  walk  the  deck ;  yet  when  he  express*- 
ly  ordered  me  off",  I  obeyed,  not  out  of  obe- 
dience to  him,  but  to  set  an  example  to  his 
chip's  crew,  who  ought  to  obey  him. 

"To  walk  to  the  windward  side  of  the  deck 
is,  according  to"  custom,  the  prerogative  of 
the  Captain  of  the  man  of  war,  though  he, 
oftentimes,  nay  commonly^  walks  with  his 
Lieutenants,  when  no  strangers  are  by: 
When  a  Captain  of  some  other  man  of  w  ar, 
comes  on  board,  the  Captains  walk  to  the 


■•.i>ij| 


«' 


1 

>. 

\ 

,  ■, 

\' 

'   1 

•  j  ■  1 

Hi '' 

1 

11 

\> 

\ 

1. 

\ 

1 

(  *• 

V 


I. 


130 


Hemoir  ^t 


.ll' '» 


*► 


i*f 


'■r 


%J^ 


mmAwttrd  skie^  and  tho  aiket  genfkrBtfti  to 
the  leeward. 

^It  waa  bat  a  few  tiigdta  I  lodged  in  the  e^ 
ble  tire,  before  I  gained  an  acqnaiattoce 
with  the  master  of  arms  :  his  name  was  G'lU 
legan^  an  Irishman,  who  was  a  geti^rous  and 
well  disposed  man,  and,  in  a  fri^dly  manner, 
made  me  an  oifer  of  hving  with  him  in  a  lit- 
tle berth,  which  was  allotted  him  between 
decks,  and  enclosed  w  ith  canvass  ;  his  [de- 
ferment on  board  was  about  equal  to  that  of 
aergeant  in  a  tegiment  J  was  eomparatite^ 
Ij  happy,  in  the  acceptance  of  this  clemen- 
cy, and  lived  with  him  in  friendship,  till  th^ 
frigate  anchored  in  the  harbor  of  Cape  Fear, 
North  Carolina,  in  America* 

"Nothing  of  material  consequeace  hap^ 
pened,  while  the  fleet  rendezvoused  at  the  cove 
of  Cork,  except  a  violent  storm,  which 
brought  old  hardy  aailors  to  their  prayers^ 
It  was  rumoured  in  Cork  that  I  was  on  board 
the  Solebay,  with  a  number  of  prisoners  from 
America^  upon  which  Messrs.  Clark  and 
Hays,  merchants  in  company,  and  a  num^ber 
of  other  benevolently  disposed  gentlemen, 
contributed  largely  to  the  relief  and  support 
of  the  prisoners,  who  were  thirty  four  in  num- 
ber, and  in  very  needy  circttmstanceSv  A  suit 
of  clothes,  from  head  to  foot,  including  an 
over  coat,  or  surtout,  and  two  shirta^  were 
bestowed  on  each  of  them.  My  suit  I  re- 
ceived in  supei^ae  broad  cloths,  sufEcieftt  for 


y 


COL.  ^HAlf  AftLBlf* 


131 


Bceti  to 

ntHncc 

us  and 
manner, 
n  a  lit- 
etween 
lis  pre- 
that  of 
iratite^ 
;lemenr 
,  till  th^ 
e  Feart 

*e  Jiap-^ 
he  cove 
which 


two  jackets,  and  two  pairs  of  brcecliM,  oveN 
plus  of  a  suit  throughout,  eight  fine  Holland 
shirts  and  stocks  ready  made^  with  anumber 
of  pairs  of  silk  and  worsted  hose,  two  pair 
shoes,  two  beaver  hats,  one  of  which  wan 
sent  me  richly  iaced  with  cold,  by  Mr.  James 
Bon  well.  The  Irish  gentlemen  fijrthermore 
made  a  large  gratuity  of  wines,  of  the  best 
sort,  old  spirits,  Geneva,  loaf  and  broun  su- 
gar, coffee,  tea  and  chocolate,  vs  ith  a  large 
round  of  pickled  beef,  and  a  number  of  fat 
turkies,  with  many  other  articles,  for  my  sea 
stores,  too  tedious  to  mention  here.  To  the 
privates  they  bestowed  on  each  man,  two 
pounds  of  tea,  and  six  poimds  of  brown  su- 
gar. These  articles  were  received  on  board, 
at  a  time  when  the  Captain  and  first  Lieu- 
tenant were  gone  on  shore,  by  permission  of 
the  second  Lieutenant,  a  handsome  young 
gentleman,  who  was  then  under  twenty  two 
years  of  age  ;  his  name  was  Douglass,  tho 
son  of  Admiral  Douglass,  as  I  was  informed. 
"As  this  munificence  was  so  unexpected 
and  plentiful,  I  may  add  needful,  it  impressed 
on  my  mind  the  highest  sense  of  gratitudo 
towards  my  benefactors ;  fori  was  not  only 
supplied  with  the  necessaries  and  conven- 
iences of  hfe,  but  with  the  grandeur  and  su^^ 
perfluities  of  it.  Mr.  Hays,  one  of  the  do- 
nors before  mentioned,  came  on  board,  and 
behaved  in  the  most  obliging  manner,  telling 
me,  that  he  hoped  my  troubles  were  past; 


'■\m 


'.I  il 


»» 


* 


I   ' 


i 

11 


I 


h 


i 


'  1 


I'll, 


■M 


il 
•li' 


I 
J 


135 


MicMiOiR  or 


for  that  the  gentlemen  of  Cork  detcnriined 
:to  make  my  sea-stores  equal  to  those  of  the 
Captain  of  the  Solehay  ;  he  made  an  offer 
of  live  stock  and  wherewith  to  support  them; 
J)ut  I  knew  this  would  be  deiiied  :  And  to 
crown  all,  did  send  to  me  by  another  person, 
iifty  guineas  ;  but  I  could  not  reconcile  re» 
ceiving  the  whole,  to  my  own  feelings,  as  it 
might  have  the  appearance  of  avarice  ;  and 
therefore,  received  seven  only ;  and  am  con- 
fident, not  only  from  the  exercise  of  the  pre- 
sent well  timed  generosity,  but  from  a  large 
acquaintance  with  gentlemen  of  this  nation, 

\  that  as  a  people  they  excel  in  liberahty  ai^d 
J}ravery.  \ 

"Two  day€  after  the  receipt  of  the  afore* 
jsaid  donatLons,Capt.  Sy  monds  came  on  board, 
full  of  envy  towards  the  prisoners,  and  swore 
by  all  that  is   good,  that  the  dr-rd  Ameri^ 

;  ,can  rebels  should  not  be  feasted  at  this  rate, 
by  the  d — d  rebels  of  Ireland ;  he,  there- 
fore, took  away  all  my  liquors  before  men* 

-  tioned,  except  some  of  the  wine  which  was 
jsecreted,  and  a  two  gallon  jug  of  old  spirits^ 
which  was  reserved  for  me,  per  favor  of 
Lieutenant  Douglass.  The  taking  of  ray 
liquors  was  abominable  in  his   sight;  he, 

^  therefore,  spoke  in  my  behalf,  till  the  Captain 
was  angry  with  him;  and,  in  consequence, 

u  proceeded  and  took  away  all  the  tea  and  s\h 
g?r,  which  had  been  given  to  the  prisoners^ 
and  confiscated  it  to  the  use  of  the  ship^s 


COL.  E^kx^'  iiiriEX. 


I33r 


>  i. 


Sobn  iiffielf  thi^  tttere'd^bd  Sl  l^ciat  to  the  sicje , 
oti^^  Bhi^^SLXid  Clip't/Syiiioiitls 'a§te4  a  geii-,' 
tlc^an  wh6  ivds  ^iri  it,  iii. '  iti jr  jiearingf,  wfj^t 
hy"^ttlisii*/es^'%as  ?    who^iih^w^red  thai;  h^.  . 
wrf*'l^fertt  tt^  Melliver  sohii^  sda-stores  to  Cot ; 
AU^n,^  whicW^  if  I  reriifehjb^r  right,  he  sajd'^ 
w^fe^^  s^W  fibk  Diibiih  j;  biit  th(^  ^Captain;^. 
daihrffe'd  him  'he^ttrJy,  ord^i-^diiim  away  f^om^^ 
thd'fehipfjkrid  WoiiM  ijot  safi^rhim'to  ^ejiypr -^ 
the^slWr^sJ- '  I Wks  fijnh'erji[i6^  iriformed'  tjiai,  '^ 
ih& geMeiti^ri'  in  Cork  refjiieked  of  Cjapt..'^ 
Syiiibji^s,ihdt  T  might^  b^  ^lo^ved  to  cope^^^^r 
intO^the'icitWatld  th^t  they  W^tild  be  rcspon-  . 
sibWf^sftoOTtf  fetuVh  tbihh  frigate  at  a  given V, 
tiiAe^Hvfficfi^asii&ietf¥h(^i^     '     ^^  "^       '^ 


misuiiciB  Willi    luc  wcic  uiviur;u,  aim   put  yu 

bo^dJlhre^^^aiMfent  ^fehij^s '  ot  W, '^Tto! 
gal^^'rfi^'^biiitJ  uii^asiijyss;  for  ffiey  were  to  a  ;' 

mafc  Mlbiis  lb  iHfe  iaU&e  6ffibeHy,'aiidl?e- ,; 
ha^rf't^itW^  'becttmitfg  ¥6r-^ituae  in  th^  y^![ 
riotlis*  fecffii^k  biP  tbeir  captlVity  ;  but  ibpse,' , 
wm^^iremmiMed  oii^iJoird  other  ships,  ! 
ofmVi^^e  tfiich'bp^r '  usda  tbp /Kose„ 
wh^' tltfh^d- WKH'ttie^a^  a!i)'p4ared  aft^^^^^^^ 
Wm  ifi8^J  fleet;  c'ottBisting,  of  aboiit  forty; 
five'i^^I,'4iifclurfitf^  Ifif^' iiien ' o^* war, . gkiled, 
fro* «re'-coVfe  H^ittf  k'  fresW^brd^^^  ap 


MM 


'  i  i- 


,'  '  ..M 


1' 


1 


ii. 


hi 


I. 


i\ 


I. 


134 


UEMOIR  OP 


\in 


pearance  was  beautiful,  abstracted  from  tho 
unjust  and  bloody  designs  they  had  in  view, 
'  We  had  not  sailed  many  days,    before  a 
niighty  storm  arose,  which  lasted  near  twen- 
ty lour  hours  without  intermission  :    The 
wind  blew  with  relentless  fury,, and  no  man 
could  remain  on  deck,  except  he  was  lashed 
fast,  for  the  waves  rolled  over  the  deck  by 
turns,  with  ^  forcible  rapidity,  and  every  soul 
on  board  was  anxiQms  for  the  preservation  of 
the  ship,  and  th,eir  lives.    In  this  storm,  tho 
Thunder-bomb  ,m;an  of  war  sprang  a  leak, 
and  was  afterwards  floated  to  some  part  of 
the  coast  of  England,  gind  the  crew  saved- 
We  were  then  said  to  be  in  the  bay  of  BisJ 
cay.    After  tli/e  storm  abated,  I  could  plainly 
discern  that  the  .prisoners  .W:er,e  better  used 
for  some  considerable  time. 

"Notliii^g  of  consequence  happ^ed  afte? 
this,  till  we  hfid  sailed  Jto  the  island  ^f  Ma^ 
deira,  except  a  certain  favor  which  I  jpeceiv- 
ed  of  Capt.  Symonds,  in  consequence  <of  an 
application  I  mad^  to  him,  for  the  privilege 
of  his  tailorto  mal^e  me  a  suit  of  clothes  of 
the  cloth  bestowed  on  me  in  Ireland,  which 
he  generously  granted.    I  could  then  walk 
the  deck  with  a  see^ming  "better  grace.  "JVhen 
we  had  reached  Madeirt^  and   auchoreicl» 
Bundry  gentleman  with  the  Captain,  went  on 
chore,  who,  I  conclude,  gave  the  i^umor  that 
I  was  in  the  frigate ;  upon  which  I  soon  after 
(bund  Lnsh  generosity  was    again  excited ; 


K   '  '. 


4 


COL.   ETHAN'    ALLEN. 


13* 


view, 
ore  a 
twen- 
Tho 
man 
ashed 
^ckby 
ysoul 
ion  of 
[n,tho 
L  leak, 
part  of 
saved- 
)f  Bisi 
plainly 
r  used 


k 


after 

kf  Mar 


for  a  gentleman  of  the  nation  sent  his  clerk 
on  board,  to  know  of  m«  if  I  would  accept  a 
sea-store  from  him,  particularly  of  wine. — 
This  m*atter  I  made  known  to  the  generous 
Lieut  Douglass,  who  readily  granted  me  the 
favor,  provided  the  articles  could  be  brought 
on  board,  during  the  time  of  his  command  ; 
adding  that  it  would  be  a  pleasure  to  him  to 
serve  me,  notwithstanding  the  opposition  he 
met  with  before :     So'  I  directed  the  gentle- 
man's clerk  to  inform  him,  that  1  was  greatly 
in  need  of  so  signal  a  charity,  and  desired 
the  young  gentleman  to  make  the  utmost  dis- 
patch, which  he  did ;  but,  in  the  mean  time, 
Capt.  Syniond's  and*  his  officers  came  on 
board,  and  immediately  made  ready  for  sail-  - 
ing;  the  wind  at  the  Same  time  being  fair, 
V!o  set  sail,  when  tfio  young  gentleman  was 
in  fair  sight  with  the  aforesaid  store. 

"The  reader  will  doubtless  recollect  the 
seven  guineas  I  received  at  the  cove  of  Cork : 
These  enabled  me  to  purchase  of  the  purs- 
er what  I  wanted,  had  not  the  Captain  strict- 
ly forbidden  it,  though  I  made  sundry  appli- 
cations to  him  for  that  purpose ;  but  his  an- 
swer to  me,  when  I  was  sick,  was,  that  it  was 
no  matter  how  soon  I  was  dead,  and  that  he 
was  nowise  anxious  to  preserve  the  lives  of 
rebels,  but  wished  them  all  dead ;  and,  in- 
deed, that  was  the  language  of  most  of  the 
ship's  crew.  I  expostwlated  not  only  with 
the  Captain,  but  with  other  gentlemen  on 


)•• 


^ 


,• 

,t 

'  \^ 

1 
.  .1 

n 

1  ■ 

■.    .  ( 


•■J 


i  9 


-t 


KM 


»1! 


'M»' 


IJ'^ 


■ 


hi    I 


i~- 


I 


III 


M 


i.'i 


{■■■ 


p-.' 


f 

'J; 


136 


m^mo;e  of 


,  boards  QQ.tJie  unreasQnableQesa  of  .i^ugb  i|s« 
,  agQ ;  ipferfing  that,  ma$^l^Qh  a? « the  gqv- 
jBrnmehtin  Englanid.  did  not  proceed  j^gaia^t 
.  me  as_,a  capital .  pffender,  they  should  not ; 
for  that  they  were  by  no  means  empowered 
.  by  any  authority^  either  civil  or  jniUtary^  -to 
do  so  ;  for  the  Enghsh  government  had  ec- 
quitted  me  by  sending  me  back  a,  prison^^r  of 
war  to  America,  and  that  they  should  treat 
me  as  such.    I  farther  drew  an  inferencG  of 
jmpplicyon  them,  provided  th«y  .should,;  hy 
hjard  usage,  destroy  my  life  ;  inasmuch  as  I 
might,  if  living,  redeem  one  of  their  officers ; 
but  the  Captain  replied,  that  he  needed-no 
directions  of  minq,  how  to  treat  ^  ?ebeT; 
that  the  British  would  conquer  tlieAnterxcjin 
.rebels,  hang  the  Congress,;  and  siich  as  gr0- 
^mpieathe  rfcupliionj  me  in  particular,  .and; re- 
take their  own  prison e^rs;  so  that  r^y^ife  was 
-of  no  conseqjience  in  the  scale pftbeif  poli- 
cy.   I  gave  him  for  answer^  that  if  they  jBtay- 
«3d  till  they  conquered  America,  before  ^thfey 
.hanged  me^Lshonlddie  Qfold  age, a^didesired 
Jhat  till  such  an  evont  should  takejpjaeei  he 
.would  at  least  allow  me  to  p.urcliasQofrtfic 
;pyrs6r>  for.my  ownJiapney,  such  .arti(d^^ 
^re-atly  needed ;  bfi^fhfe  would  not "perBAife; 
;  and  when  I  reminded:  him  of  tb^-^rgenea-firus 
.  and  c^iyil  tis^^ge  that thoiripri^newirin  i^li^if- 
rity  m,et;  wi^hv  W^^^  =wa«jBdt  iiwiiig 

( tp^h^ir  g050jdn^^v/blit':tp  theij-  timis^a^yh^qB^^ 


COL.    ETHAN   ALLEN* 


137 


>  !, 


^gaiB0t 
4^ot; 
jwered 
aryi;to 
a4  ac- 
oneyof 
d  treat 
jncG  of 

M,:  by 
cb  as  I 
fficers ; 
}ded-no 
jeber; 

as  gr0- 
;an(i:re- 

ifewtis 
ilpoli- 
yiBtay- 

[desii!^ 
ice;  *re 
ofrt&c 

pitdfe; 
lear^tts 


therefore  dare  not  misuse  our  prisoners ;  and 
in  fact  this  was  the  language  of  the  Britisfh 
officers,  till  Gen.  Burgoyne  was  taken  ;^ 
happy  event !  and  not  only  of  the  officers, 
but  of  the  whole  British  army.  I  appeal  to 
all  my  brother  prisoners,  who  have  been  with 
the  British  in  the  southern  department,  for  a 
confirmation  of  what  I  have  advanced  on 
this  subject.  The  surgeon  of  the  lolebay, 
whose  name  was  North,  was  a  very  humane, 

*  It  was  the  plan  of  the  British  Generals,  to  push 
a  body  of  troops  from  New  York,  to  join  Gen.  Bur- 
goyne at  Albany,  and  by  establishing  a  line  of  Bri- 
tish posts  on  the  Hudson,  to  intercept  the  inter- 
course between  the  New  England  and  southern 
states.     While  Gen.  Burgoyne   was  attempting  to 
advance  towards  Albany,  Gen.  Clinton  with  a  force 
of  three  thousand  men,  took  possession   of  Fort 
Montgomery,  after  severe   loss.     Gen.  Vaughan, 
with  a  body  of  troops,  on  board  of  armed   ships, 
sailed  up  the  Hudson,  as  far  as  Livingstones  Manor, 
where  be  landed  a  party,  burnt  a  large  house  be- 
bnging  to  one  of  the  family  ;  then  sent  a  party  to 
the  opposite  shore,   and  laid  in   ashes  the  town  of 
Kingston,    But  Gen.  Burgoyne,  despairing  of  the 
junction  between  his  army   and   the   division  from 
New  York,    surrounded  by  a  superior  army,  and 
unable  to  retreat,  consented  to  capitulate,  and  on 
the  17th  of  October  surrendered  to  the  American 
General.     The  detachment  under  Gen.  Vaughan 
returned  to  New  York,  and  the  plan  of  the  British 
commanders  was  totally  frustrated. 

Weh$t€r^9  Eliementsl ' 


•S      *,.: 


'i 


Ji;h 


:^1 


II 


*' 


-  ^ 

rf 


;  f. 


«■ 


It- 


•;■ 


-i^  5 


■«  o< 


V.  4! 


i*' 


138 


IfEMOIR   OF 


1  ! 


I 

fii 

I 


ii 


it.» 


l! 


obliging  man,  and  took  the  best  care  of  the 
prisoners  who  were  sick. 

"The  third  day  of  May,  we  cast  anchor  in 
the  harbor  of  Cape  Fear,*  in  North  Caroli- 
na, as  did  Sir  Peter  Parker's  ship  of  fifty 
guns,  a  little  back  of  the  bar  ;  for  there  was 
no  depth  of  water  for  him  to  come  into  the 
harbor  :  These  two  men  of  war,  and  four- 
teen sail  of  transports  and  others,  came  after, 
so  that  most  of  the  fleet  rendezvoused  at 
cape  Fear  for  three  weeks.  The  soldiers  on 
board  the  transports  were  sickly,  in  conse« 
quence  of  so  long  a  passage  ;  add  to  this, 
the  small  pox  carried  off  many  of  them  : — 
They  landed  on  the  main,  and  formed  a  cam^; 
but  the  riflemen  annoyed  them,  and  caused 
them  to  move  to  an  island  in  the  harbor ;  but 
such  cursing  of  riflemen  I  never  heard. 

"A  detachment  of  regulars  was  sent  up 
Brunswick  river ;  as  they  landed,  they  were 
fired  on  by  those  marksmen,  and  they  came 

*  Cape  Fear  is  the  southern  point  of  Smith's  Isl- 
and, which  divides  the  mouth  of  Cape  Fear  river 
into  two  channels,  on  the  coast  of  North  Carolina ; 
S.  W.  of  Cape  Look  Out,  and  remarkable  for  a 
dangerous  shoal  called  the  Frying  Pan,  from  its 
form.  A  light  house  stands  at  the  mouth  of  the 
river.  It  bears  W.  N.  W.  from  the  point  of  the 
Cape,  four  miles  distant.  Near  this  cape  is  John- 
son's Fort,  in  Brunswick  county,  and  district  of 
Wilmington.  North  latitude  33,  32- west  longi* 
tude78,  25. 

MomU  Gaxettur, 


f.  1 


COL.   ETHAN    ALLEN. 


139 


3f  the 

hor  in 
>aroli- 
)f  fifty 
re  was 
ito  the 
I  four- 
B  after, 
sed  at 
tiers  on 
conse- 
to  this, 
lem  :-7- 
a  cam^; 
caused 
►or ;  but 
d. 

sent  up 
ey  were 
y  came 

lith's  Isl. 
ear  river 
arolina ; 
lie  for  a 
from  its 
h  of  the 
t  of  the 
is  John- 
strict  of 
^st  longi- 


back  next  day,  damning  the  rebels  for  their 
unmanly  way  of  fighting,  and  swearing  that 
they  wouW  give  no  quarter,  for  they  took 
signt  at  them,  and  were  behind  timber,  skulk- 
ing about.  One  of  the  detachments  said  they 
lost  one  man ;  but  a  negro  man,  who  was 
with  them,  and  heard  what  was  said,  soon 
after,  told  me  that  he  helped  to  bury  thirty- 
one  of  them:  This  did  me  some  good  to 
find  my  countrymen  giving  them  battle  ;  for 
I  never  heard  such  swaggering  as  among 
Uen.  Clinton's  little  army,  who  commanded 
at  that  time;  and  I  am  apt  to  think  there 
were  four  thousand  men,  though  not  two 
thirds  of  them  fit  for  duty.  I  heard  numbers  ' 
of  them  say,  that  the  trees  in  America  should 
hang  well  with  fruit  that  campaign,  for  they ' 
would  give  no  quarter :  This  was  in  the 
mouths  of  most  who  I  heard  speak  on  the 
subject,  ofiicer  as  Avell  as  soldier.  I  wished 
at  that  time,  my  countrymen  knew,  as  well  as 
I  did,  what  a  murdering  and  cruel  enemy 
they  had  to  deal  with;  but  experience  has 
since  taught  this  country,  what  they  are  to 
expect  at  the  hands  of  Britons,  when  in  theiv 
power. 

"The  prisoners,  who  had  been  sent  on 
board  different  men  of  war,  at  the  cove  of 
Cork,  were  collected  together,  and  the  whol» 
of  them  put  on  board  the  Mercury  frigatej 
Capt.  Montague,  except  one  of  the  Canadir 
ai)^i  who  died  on  the  passage  from  Ireland^ 


:-vm 


V    « 


•  H 


r»' 


': 


^ 


f* 


I. 


«  !  iM 


i 

J 


140 


MEMOIR   OF 


\\i^ 


I 


k:i 


^ 


t.i' 


|ii 


:  fii 


i    1  j 


xi(nd  Peter  Noble^  who  made  his  escaj>e  from 
the  Sphynx  man  of  war,  in  this  harbor,  and, 
by  extraordinary  swimming,  got  safe  home 
to  New  England,  and  gave  intelligence  of  the 
usage  of  his  brother  prisoners.  The  Mer- 
cury set  sail  from  this  port  for  Halifax,  about 
the  20th  of  May,  and  Sir  Peter  Parker  was 
about  to  sail  with  the  land  forces,  under  the 
command  of  Gen*  Clinton,  for  the  reduction  of 
Charleston,  in  South  Carolina,  and  \^en  I 
heard  of  his  defeat  in  Halifax,  it  gave  me  in- 
expressible satisfaction. 

"I  now  found  myself  under  a  worse  Captain 
than  Symonds ;  for  Montague  was  loaded 
with  prejudices  against  every  body^  and  evl 
ery  thing  that  was  not  stamped  with  royalty ; 
and,  being  by  nature  underwitted,  his  wrath 
was  heavier  than  the  others,  or  at  least  his 
mind  was  in  no  instance  liable  to  be  divert- 
ed by  good  sense,  humour  or  bravery,  of 
which  Symonds  was,  by  turns,  susceptible. 
A  Capt*  Frances  Proctor  was  added  to  our 
number  of  prisoners,  when  we  were  first  put 
****  on  board  this  ship:  This  gentleman  had 
formerly  belonged  to  the  English  service. — 
The  Captain,  and,  in  fine,  all  the  gentlemen 
of  the  ship,  were  very  much  incensed  against 
him,  and  put  him  in  irons  without  the  least 
provocation,  and  he  was  continued  in  this 
miserable  situation  about  three  months.  In 
this  passage,  the  prisoners  were  infected  with 
the  scurvy,  some  more  and  some  less,  but 


C0L.9*CTIfAll,  ^LCIY^ 


^U\ 


;,to*fk  great  degree  troubled  with  it^  and  I  eon- 
rcluded  it, tvflS; catching :  ScF^ral'of  the  crew 
.  died' with  4t  on  their  pas»8^ ).  I  was  weak  and 
hehleUi  consequence' of  so  longhand  cruel  a 
<;aptivity,!  y)&t  had  b>it  little  of  the  scurvy. 
.  .^^*,The;  parser  was  agAin  expressly  forbid  by 
.  the  Captain  to  let  me  have  any  thing  iout-Of 
his  store  ;  upon  which  I  went  on  deck,  and, 
.in  the  haindsomestmannier^  requested  the  fa^ 
vor  of  purcS^hasing  a  few  necessaries  of  the 
purser,  which  was  denied  me ;  he  farther  told 
me,  that  I  should  be  hanged  as  soon  as  I  ar-^ 
•  rived  at  Halifax.    I  tried  to  reason  the  mat- 
ter with  him,  b\*t' found  hisipi-Gof  agt-iiustro^- 

son ;  I  also  held  up  his  lionor  to  viewf  artcf 

hisbehavior  tp  me  and  the  prisoners  in  geil- 

eral,  as  being'  derogatory  to  it,  but  found  his 

•honor  impenetrable. "  ^ I* then  endeavored  to 

touch  his;  hntnanity,  but  found^^  he  had  hone ; 

for  his  prepossession  of  bigotry  to  his  oWn 

rpartyihad  confirmed  him  in  an  opinion;  that 

,no\  humanity  :was    due  to  unroykhsts,   but 

^seemed  to  think  that  beaven  and 'eafth  W^i^e 

;?raadeTOerely  to  gfatify  th^'King  tmdhife  cfea- 

•tures.'  *  He'  uttered  many  unint^Higiblfeiand 

'  gi-oi^lling  ideasj*  atlittle  tinctured  With  Mt^ft- 

mxshY4  but>8tooid  ^w^H  to  his  text  bf  hiBiilging 

meu  >  He  •afterwards  forbade^Md  s{i^gb'(M  to 

•adniinfstefr  tmybhelp tor tthe^sickipijisot^^.^  ;il 

wasidk^ery  n%ht>ghdt  dowwiiri  ty  ^ckbhsiti!^, 

oKKith^tisir&stiOf  (ttoptinroA^s}  iami  W  aiyu^- 


-m 


■^j 


I  1 


•i 

■  i 


'1 


'  ■] 


i 


'■•I 
1 1 


\^ 


4 


Wi 


V 

■ 


k^  -^ 


^M 


142 


MEMOIR  OF 


'$ 


e6  miserably  while  under  his  power :  But  I 
received  some  generosity  from  several  of  the 
midshipmen,  who,  in  a  degree,  alleviated  my 
misery ;  one  of  their  names  was  Putrass — 
the  names  of  the  others  I  do  not  recollect ; 
but  they  were  obliged  to  be  private  in  the  be- 
stowment  of  their  favor,  which  was  some- 
times good  wine  bitters,  and  at  others,  a  gen- 
erous drink  of  grog. 

"Some  timo  in  the  first  week  of  June,  we 
came  to  anchor  at  the  Hook  ofT  New  York, 
where  we  remained  but  three  days ;  in  which 
time  Gov.  Tryon,  Mr.  Kemp,  the  old  attorney 
general  of  New  York,  and  several  other  per- 
fidious and  over-grown-  tortes  and  land-job- 
bers, came  on  board.  Tryon  viewed  me  with 
a  stern  countenance,  as  I  was  walking  on  the 
leeward  side  of  the  deck,  with  the  midship- 
men ;  and  he  and  his  companions  were  walk- 
ing with  the  Captain  and  Lieutenant,  on  the 
windward  side  of  the  same,  but  never  spoke 
to  me,  though  it  is  altogether  probable  that 
he  thought  of  the  old  quarrel  between:  him, 
the  old  government  of  New- York  and  the 
Green  Mountain  Boys :  They  went  with  the 
Captain  into  the  cabin,  and  the  same  after- 
noon returned  on  board  a  vessel  which  lay 
near  the  Hook,  where,  at  that  time,  they  took 
sanctuary  from-  the  resentment  of  their  in- 
jured country.  What  passed  between  the  of- 
ficers  of  the  ship  and  these  visitors,  I  know 
not ;  but  this  I  know,  that  my  treatment  firom 


COL.  ETHAir   ALLEir. 


143 


i^' 


:    But  I 

al  of  the 
ated  my 
utrass — 
jcollect ; 
n  the  be- 
9   some- 
rs,  a  gen- 
June,  we 
ew  York, 
in  which 
I  attorney 
)ther  per- 
1  and- job- 
d  me  with 
ing  on  the 
midship- 
ere  walk- 
[nt,  on  the 
iver  spoke 
uble  that 
een  him, 
and  the 
X  with  the 
me  after- 
Iwhich  lay 
they  took 
their  in- 
eft  the  of- 
8, 1  knovr 
ent  from 


the  principal  officers  was  more  severe  after- 
wards. 

** We  arrived  at  Halifax  not  far  from  the 
middle  of  June,  where  the  ship's  crew,  which 
was  infected  with  the  scurvy,  were  taken  on 
shore,  and  shallow  trenches  dug,  into  which 
they  were  put,  and  partly  covered  with  earth. 
Indeed  every  proper  measure  was  taken  for 
their  relief:    fho  prisoners  were  not  permit- 
ted any  sort  of  medicine,  but  were  put  on 
board  a  sloop  which  lay  in  the  harbor,  near 
the  town  of  Halifax,  surrounded  with  sever- 
al men  of  war  and  their  tenders,  and  a  guard 
constantly  set  over  them,  night  and  day. — 
The  sloop  we  had  wholly  to  ourselves,  ex- 
cept the  guard,  who  occupied  the  forecastle ; 
here  we  were  cruelly  pinched  with  hunger  ; 
it  seemed  to  me  that  we  had  not  more  than 
one  third  of  the  common  allowance :    Wa 
were  all  seized  with  violent  hunger  and  faint- 
ness ;  we  divided  our  scanty  allowance   a« 
exact  as  possible.    I  shared  the   same  fato 
with  the  rest ;  and,  though  they  offered  me 
more  than  an  even  «hare,  I  refused  to  accept 
it,  as  it  was  a  time  of  substantial  distress, 
which,  in  ray  opinion,  I  ought  to  partako 
equally  with  the  re«t,  and  set  an  example  of 
virtue  and  fortitude  to  our  little  common- 
weahh. 

"I  sent  letter  after  letter  to  CaptMontague^ 
who  still  had  the  care  of  us,  and  also  to  hig 
I^utenant,  whose  name  I  cannot  call  to 


Oil 


'!♦ 


:<i 


{■  i 


1141 


irilNnwoat 


.ni\T 


i. 


rr 


inrnd^Vbutcodd  obtftin/no  ran8#«ryiiitti^h  fesif- 
a  redress  of  grievances ;  and,  to  add  to  the  ' 
caiamityvitefbr  a  dozeftiof  the  prisoners  Werb 
dangerously  ill^of  the  seurvyi'vl  Y^rGftefTty^ki^'i 
letters^  to  t,he  doctorsy  to  procure;  if  possiibliev ' 
some' remedy  fovthe»8ick,but  ^n'Vai^j  >  The^' 
chief  <  physician  i^ame  by  an  abodl^  so^'dose 
that' the  oar^  •touched,  the  sloop '  we^  w^r^ '  iii^  i " 
and'LuUered  my  complaint  in  the  gefnteel6^'^ 
^  jnannef  4o<hini,lMjU;  heoeverso  mui^h  as  fMrn^ ' 
jedi^^his  heady  or  mAdeme:any'anfswei^^ithotlgh  '^ 
J  continucid  spoaking  tidl'  he  was  Out?  of  bear;'*' 
I  ing«'»:yQur  oause^lhen  becwbme  very  dfeplortti.  ^ 
ile.    Stiilli  1  kept  writing,  to  tbe  Gaptaitt^lill 
heordered  tha.  guardsyas  they  told  tti^jtiOt 
<to  bring  any. moire  letters'frofti/mfe'tO'hitti^  Iti  ' 
the  mean 'tiitie^  an  event  happened  worthfrfe-' 
iating::    €^  «of  the'  mcn^' almost  dead^wf  ^ 
the9fcurvyv^ay/byit(he''sido{of  the  sloojiyaiidy'' 
a  ca«i«^  lof  ^Indiains  coming  by ,'hdpirrcAas^d'' 
two* quarts vof^atrawberrie^,  and at^  thi6m  at" 
onoev  and.  el  alinost  cuited  him.' 'The  Ittoifev  ' 
;  he«gave  foritheniv  w^'all  the*  mon^y  he'"h8ltl'' 
in  the  world.    After  that  We  tried 'le very  way'f 
to  procuafe  moje-df  that  fruit^reaso^g  frotti ' 
analogy  thatithey-mighthav©  die  sam^  efl^'^ 
onlotb^si  i  infeefeed  ■  with>  ijm  eain&  disef ji!diii',' ' 
but'COttld'O'btailiitnone.  *>     mu.lm/i    lui.    ifjjt 
,       "Meanwhile  the  Doctor's  mate  of  the  M^r^^^ 
curyv .eam&i' ppivateiy  att*  bioiird  thfe  ^yi'soh 
slo)&p,  and  piredeMed irie  witb  wiak^g^iM  tit^ 
smart  ldfopfrv«wiKchpi!Gvefd  to  h^gooA%HW- 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


M5 


scurvy,  though  vegetables  and  some  other 
ingredients  were  requisite  for  a  cure ;  but  the 
drops  gave  at  least  a  check  to  the  disease. 
This  was  a  well-timed  exertion  of  humanity, 
but  the  doctor's  name  has  slipped  my  mind, 
and  in  my  opinion,  it  was  the  means  of  sav- 
ing the  lives  of  several  men.  * 

"The  guard,  which  was  set  over  us,  was 
by  this  time  touched  with  the  feelings  of 
compassion ;  and  I  finally  trusted  one  of 
them  with  a  letter  of  complaint  to  Gov.  Ar- 
buthnot,  of  Halifax,  which  he  found  means 
to  communicate,  and  which  had  the  desired 
eflect ;  for  the  Governor  sent  an  officer  and 
surgeon  on  board  the  prison  sloop,  to  know 
the  truth  of  the  complaint.  The  officer's 
name  was  Russel,  and  held  the  rank  of  Lieu- 
tenant, and  treated  me  in  a  friendly  and  po- 
lite manner,  and  was  really  angry  at  the  cru- 
el and  unmanly  usage  the  prisoners  met  with ; 
and,  with  the  surgeon,  made  a  true  report  of 
matters  to  Gov.  Arbuthnot,  who,  either  by 
his  order  or  influence,  took  us  next  day  from 
the  prison  sloop  to  Halifax  gaol,  where  I  first 
became  acquainted  with  the  now  Hon.  James 
Level,  one  of  the  members  of  Congress,  for 
the  state  of  Massachusetts-Bay.  The  sick 
were  taken  to  the  hospital,  and  the  Canadi- 
ans, who  were  effective,  were  employed  in 
the  King's  works ;  and  when  their  country- 
men were  recovered  from  the  scurvy  ana 
joined  them,  they  all  deserted  the  King's  em- 

13 


'iv 


*r 


■'i 


'* 


1  V  ; 


!■» 


•.' 


V-9| 


I  i 


'^ 


i  '.ft 


i 


1^ 


I': 


I  ■ 


■w 


'n 


I 


'f    - 


ll 


u 


146 


MEMOIR  tV 


ploy,  and  were  not  heard  of  at  Halifax,  as 
long  as  the  remainder  of  the  prisoners  con- 
tinued there,  which  was  till  near  the  middle 
of  October.  We  Were  on  board  the  prison- 
sloop  about  six  weeks,  and  were  landed  at 
Halifax  near  the  middle  of  August.  Several 
of  our  English  American  prisoners,  who  were 
cured  of  the  scurvy  at  the  hospital,  made 
their  escape  from  thence,  and  after  a  long 
time,  reached  their  old  habitations. 

"I  had  novv  but  thirteen  with  me,  of  those 
who  were  taken  in  Canada,  and  remained 
in  gaol  with  me  in  Hahfax,  who,in  addition 
to  those  that  were  imprisoned  before,  made 
our  number  about  thirty  four,  who  were  ail 
locked  up  in  one  common  large  room,  with- 
out regard  to  rank,  education,  or  any  other 
accomplishment,  where  we  continued  from 
the  setting  to  the  rising  sun ;  and,  as  sundry 
of  them  were  infected  with  the  gaol  and  oth- 
er distempers,  the  furniture  of  this  spacious 
room  consisted  principally  of  excrement  tubs. 
We  petitioned  for  a  removal  of  the  sick  into 
the  hospitals,  but  were  denied.  We  remon- 
strated against  the  ungenerous  usage  of  be- 
ing confined  with  the  privates,  as  being  con- 
trary to  the  laws  and  customs  of  nations, 
and  particularly  ungrateful  in  them^  in  conse- 
quence of  the  gentleman-like  usage  which 
the  British  imprisoned  officers  met  with  in 
America ;  and  thus  we  wearied  ourselves, 
petitioning  and  remonstrating,  but  to  no  pur- 


COL.   ETHAN    ALLEN 


147 


A<. 


1:1 


pose  at  all .  for  General  Massey,  who  com- 
manded at  Halifax,  was  as  inflexible  as  the 
d — 1  himself;,  a  fine  preparative  this,  for 
Mr.  Lovel,  member  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress; 

"Lieut.  Riissel,  vhom  I  have  mentioned 
before,  came  to  visit  me  in  prison,  and  assur- 
ed me  that  he  had  done  his  utmost  to  pro- 
cure my  parole  for  enlargement;  at  ^yhich  a 
British  Captain,  who  was  then  the  tovm-ma- 
jor,  expressed  compassion  for  the  gentlemen 
confined  in  the  filthy  place,  and  assured  mo 
that  he  had  used  his  influence  to  procure 
their  enlargement ;  his  name  was  near  hke 
Ramsay.  Among  the  prisoners  there  were 
five  in  number,  who  had  a  legal  claim  to  a 
parole,  viz :  James  Lovel,  Esq.,  Capt.  Fran- 
cis Proctor,  a  Mr.  Rowland,  master  of  a 
Continental  armed  vessel,  a^  Mr.  Taylor,  his 
mate,  and  myself. 

"As  to  the  article  of  provision,  we  were 
wellserved,  much  better  than  in  any  part  of  my 
captivity  ;  and,  since  it  was  Mr.  Lovel's  mis- 
fortune and  mine,  to  be  prisoners,  and  in  so 
wretched  circumstances,  I  was  happy  that 
we  were  together,  as  a  nmtual  support  to 
each  other,  and  to  the  unfortunate  prisoners 
with  us.  Our  first  attention  was  the  preser- 
vation' of  ourselves  and  injured  little  repub- 
lic ;  the  rest  of  our  time  we  devoted  inter- 
changeably to  politics  and  philosophy,  as  pa- 
tience was  a  needful  exercise  in  so  evil  a  sit- 


'•r1''i 


'  'i\ 


■■i\. 


I'i  i 


w 


\. 


v\ 


■r ' 


^   v. 


.r. 


r  ' 


■•I- 


^ 


»' 


',  \ 


it 


I- 


»»     ' 


In] 


I!' 


148 


MEMOIR  OF 


uation,  but  contentment  mean  and  impracti- 
cable. 

^'I  had  not  been  in  this  gaol  many  days,  be- 
fore a  worthy  and  charitable  woman,  Mrs. 
Blacden,  by  name,  supplied  me  with  a  good 
dinner  of  fresh  meats  every  day,  with  garden 
fruit,  and  sometimes  \iith  a  bottle  of  wine  ; 
notwithstanding  which,  I  had  not  been  more 
than  three  weeks  in  the  place,  before  I  lost 
all  appetite  to  the  most  delicious  food,  as  al- 
so did  sundry  of  the  prisoners,  particularly  a 
sergeant  Moore,  a  man  of  courage  and  fidel- 
ity :  I  have  several  times  seen  him  hold  the 
boatswain  of  the  Solebay  frigate,  when  he| 
attempted  to  strike  him,  and  laughed  him  out 
of  conceit  of  using  him  as  a  slave. 

"A  doctor  visited  the  sick,  and  did  the  best 
as  I  suppose,  he  could  for  them,  to  no  appa- 
rent purpose.  I  grew  weaker  and  weaker,  as 
did  the  rest.  Several  of  them  could  not  help 
themselves.  At  last  I  reasoned  in  my  own 
mind,  that  raw  onions  would  be  good  :  I 
made  use  of  it,  and  found  immediate  rehef 
by  it,  as  did  the  sick  in  general,  particularly 
sergeant  Moore,  whom  it  recovered  ahnost 
from  the  shades.  Though  I  had  met  with  a 
little  revival,  still  I  found  the  malignant  hand 
of  Britain  had  greatly  reduced  my  constitu- 
tion with  stroke  upon  stroke.  Esquire  Lov- 
el  and  myself  used  every  argument  and  en- 
treaty that  could  be  well  conceived  of,  in  or- 
der to  obtain  gentleman-like  usage,  to  no  pur- 


■i^  I 


V  / 


'■  { 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


149 


8 


pose.  I  then  wrote  Gen.  Massey  as  sever 
a  letter  as  I  possibly  could,  with  my  friend 
Level's  assistance  :  The  contents  of  it  were 
to  give  the  British,  as  a  nation,  and'him  as  an 
individual,  their  true  character.  This  rous- 
ed the  rascal,  for  he  could  not  bear  to  see 
his  and  the  nation's  deformity  in  that  trans- 
parent letter,  which  I  sent  him ;  he,  therefore, 
put  himself  in  a  great  rage  about  it,  and 
shewed  the  letter  to  a  number  of  British  of- 
ficers, particularly  to  Capt.  Smith,  of  the  Lark 
frigate,  who,  instead  of  joiniftg  with  him  in 
disapprobation^  commended  the  spirit  of  it ; 
upon  which  Gen.  Massey  said  to  him,  "do  you 
take  the  part  of  a  rebel  against  me  ?"  Capt. 
Smith  Fwered,  that  he  rather  spoke  his 
sentiK.A5.*!'B,  and  there  was  a  dissension  in 
opinion  between  them.  Some  officers  took 
the  part  of  the  General,  and  others  of  the 
Captain  :  This  I  was  informed  of  by  a  gen- 
tleman who  had  it  from  Capt.  Smith. 

"In  a  few  days  after  this,  the  prisoners  were 
ordered  to  go  on  board. of  a  man  of  war, 
which  was  bound  for  New  York;  but  two  of 
them  were  not  able  to  go  on  board,  and  were 
left  at  Halifax ;  one  died,  and  the  other  re- 
covered. This  was  about  the  20th  of  Octo- 
ber, and  soon  after  we  had  got  on  board,  the 
Captain  sent  for  me  in  particular,  to  come  on 
the  quarter  deck :  I  went,  not  knowing  that 
it  was  Capt.  Smith,  or  his  ship  at  that  time, 
and  expected  to  meet  the  same  rigorous  us- 

13* 


^■''ivi  j 


't 


lit 


4i.  m  ■. 


f    .1' 


i 


Ff 


i: 


f^ 


!iri 


\bO 


MEMOIR   OP 


I 


h   !| 


age  I  had  commonly  met  with,  and  prepared 
my  mind  accordingly ;  but  wlion  I  came  on 
deck,  the  Captain  met  me  with  his  hand,  wel- 
comed me  to  his  ship,  invited  me  to  dine 
wit!)  him  that  day,  and  assured  me  that  I 
should  be  treated  as  a  gentleman,  and  that 
he  had  given  orders,  that  I  should  be  treated 
with  respect  by  the  ship's  crew.    This  was  so 
unexpected  and  sudden  a  transition,  that  it 
drew  tears  from  my  eyes,  which  all  the  ill  us- 
<  age  1  had  before  met  with,  was  not  able  to 
produce,  nor  could  I  at  first  hardly  speak,  but 
soon  recovered  myself  and  expressed  my 
gratitude  for  so  unexpected  a  favor ;  and  let 
him  know  that  I  felt  anxiety  of  mind  in  ic- 
flecting  that  his  situation  and  mine  was  such, 
that  it  was  not  probable  that  it  would  ever 
be  in  my  power  to  return  the  favor.    Capt. 
Smith  replied,  that  he  had  no  reward  in  view, 
|)ut  only  treated  me  as  a  gentleman  ought  to 
be  treated ;  he  said  ^Hhis  is  a  mutable  world, 
and  one  gentleman  never  knows  but  that  it 
may  be  in  his  power  to  help  another."  Soon 
after,  I  found  this  to  be  the  same  Capt.  Smith 
who  took  my  part  against  Gen.  Massey ;  but 
he  never  mentioned  any  thing  of  it  to  me,  and 
I  though  it  impolite  in  me  to  interrogate  him, 
as  to  any  disputes  which  might  have  arisen 
between  him  and  the  General  on  my  account, 
as  I  was  a  prisoner,  and  that  it  was  at  his 
option  to  make  free  with  me  on  the  subject, 
if  be  pleased ;  and,  if  he  did  not,  I  migb> 


•  \ 


COL.    ETHAN    ALLEN. 


151 


\ , 


rcparod 
;anie  on 
nd,  wel- 
to  dine 
le  that  I 
nd  that 
)  treated 
s  was  so 
,  that  it 
he  ill  us- 
t  able  to 
)eak,  but 
sscd  my 
;  and  let 
nd  in  ie- 
ivas  such, 
ould  ever 
r.    Capt. 
i  in  view, 

ought  to 
)le  world, 

it  that  it 
jr."  Soon 


take  it  for  granted  that  it  would  be  unpleas- 
ant for  me  to  quory  about  it,  though  I  had  a 
strong  propensity  to  converse  with  him  on 
that  subject. 

"I  dined  with  the  Captain  agreeable  to  his 
invitation,  and  oftentimes  with  the  Lieuten- 
ant,  in  the  gun  room,  but  in  general  ate  and 
drank  with  my  friend  Lovel  and  the  other 
gentlemen,  who  were  prisoners  with  mo, 
where  I  also  slept. 

**We  had  a  little  berth  enclosed  with  can- 
vass, between  decks,  where  we  enjoyed  our- 
selves very  well,  in  hopes  of  an  exchange  ; 
besides,  our  friends  at  Halifax,  had  a  littlo 
notice  of  our  departure,  and  supplied  us  with 
spirituous  liquor,  and  many  articles  of  pro- 
vision for  the  cost.    Capt.  Burk,  having  been 
taken  prisoner,  was  added  to  our  company, 
(he  had  commanded  an  American  armed  ves- 
sel) and  was  generously  treated  by  the  Cap- 
tain, and  all  the  officers  of  the  ship,  as  well 
as  myself.    We  now  had  in  all,  near  thirty 
prisoners  on  board,  and  as  we  were  sailing 
along  the  coast,  if  I  recollect  right,  off  Rhode 
Island,  Capt.  Burke,  with  an  under  officer  of 
the  ship,  wnose  name  I  do  not  recollect,  came 
to  our  little  berth,  proposed  to  kill  Captain 
Smith  and  the  principal  officers  of  the  frig- 
ate and  take  it ;  adding  that  there  were  thir- 
ty five  thousand  pounds  sterling  in  the  same. 
Qaptain  Burke  hkewise  averred  that  a  strong 
party  out  of  theship^s  crew  was  in  the  con- 


."»! 


i.-i 


l|^ 


'1- 


I 


t* 


N 


V' 

: 

i 

A 


152 


MEMOIR  OF 


t  •. 


r: 


spiracy,  and  urged  me,  and  the  gentleman 
that  was  with  me,  to  use  our  influence  with 
the  private  prisoners  to  execute  the  design, 
and  take  the  ship  with  the  cash  into  one  of 
our  own  ports. 

"Upon  which  I  replied,  that  we  had  been 
too  well  used  on  board,  to  murder  the  officers 
-—that  I  could  by  no  means  reconcile  it  to  my 
conscience,  and  that  in  fact  it  should  not  be 
done ;  and,  while  I  was  yet  speaking,  my 
friend  Lovel  confirmed  what  I  had  said,  and 
farther  pointed  out  the  ungratefulness  of  such 
an  act ;  that  it  did  not  fall  short  of  murder ; 
and  in  fine,  all  the  gentlemen  in  the  berth  op- 
posed Capt.  Burk  and  his  colleague  :  But 
they  strenuously  urged  that  the  conspiracy 
would  be  found  out,  and  that  it  would  cost 
them  their  lives,  provided  they  did  not  exe- 
cute their  design.  I  then  interposed  spirit- 
edly, and  put  an  end  to  farther  argument  on 
the  subject,  and  told  them  that  they  might 
depend  upon  it,  upon  my  honor,  that  I  would 
faithfully  guard  Capt.  Smith's  life  :  If  they 
should  attempt  the  assault,  I  would  assist 
him,  for  they  desired  me  to  remain  neutral ; 
and  that  the  same  honor  that  guarded  Capt. 
Smith's  life,  would  guard  theirs ;  and  it  was 
agreed  by  those  present,  not  to  reveal  the 
'Conspiracy,  to  the  intent  that  no  man  should 
•be  put  to  death,  in  consequence  of  what  had 
Sbeen  projected ;  and  Capt.  Burk  and  his  col- 
league went  to  stifle  the  matter  among  their 


!! 


■ 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEX. 


153 


associates.  I  could  not  help  calling  to  mind 
what  Capt.  Smith  said  to  me,  when  I  first 
came  on  board  :  "This  is  a  mutable  world, 
and  one  gentleman  never  knows  but  that  it 
may  be  in  his  power  to  help  another."  Capt. 
Smith  and  his  officers  still  behaved  with  their 
usual  courtesy,  and  I  never  heard  any  more 
of  the  conspiracy." 

The  vessel  arri  ed  l  ')re  New  Yor*.,  and 
cast  anchor,  the  latter  part  of  October ;  and 
during  th(3  period  of  its  stay,  which  was  on- 
ly a  few  days,  Capt.  Smith  informed  Col.  Al- 
len, that  he  had  recommended  him  to  Admi- 
ral Howe  and  Gen.  Sir  William  Howe,  as  a 
gentleman  of  honor  and  veracity ;  and  desir- 
ed they  might  treat  him  as  such.  Capt.  Burk 
was  ordered  on  board  a  prison  ship  in  the 
harbor  ;  and  Col.  Allen,  with  1  he  other  pris- 
oners, to  a  transport  ship,  commanded  by 
Capt.  Craige,  who  received  him  into  the  cab- 
in with  himself  and  officers.  "I  fared,"  says 
the  Colonel,  "as  they  did,  and  was,  in  every 
respect,  well  treated,  in  consequence  of  di- 
rections from  Capt.  Smith.  In  a  few  weeks 
after  this,  I  had  the  happiness  to  part  with 
my  friend  Lovel,  for  his  s£^ke,  whom  the  ene- 
my affected  to  treat  as  a  private  ;  he  was  a 
gentleman  of  merit,  and  liberally  educated, 
but  had  no  commission  ;  they  maligned  him 
on  account  of  his  unshaken  attachment  to 
the  cause  of  his  country.  He  was  exchang- 
ed for  a  Gov.  Phillip  Skene,  of  the  British. 


■ ' '1 


;  i'  " 


r. 


■■  t^ 


'  I . 


I  I 


rl  [-*\f 


ip      :*- 


n 


IH 


MEMOIR   OF 


I  was  continued  in  this  ship  till  the  latter  part 
of  November,  where  I  contracted  an  ac- 
quaintance with  a  Captain  of  the  British ;  his 
name  has  slipped  my  memory.  He  was  what 
we  may  call  a  genteel,  hearty  fellow.  I  re- 
member an  expression  of  his  over  a  bottle 
of  wine,  to  this  import :  "That  there  is 
greatness  of  soul  for  personal  friendship  to 
subsist  between  you  and  me,  as  we  are  upon 
opposite  sides,  and  may,  at  an  other  day,  bo 
obliged  to  face  each  other  in  the  field."  I 
am  confident  that  he  was  as  faithful  as  any 
officer  in  the  British  army.  At  another  sit- 
ting he  offered  to  bet  a  dozen  of  wine,  tl^at 
Fort  Washington  would  be  in  the  hands  of 
the  British  in  three  days.  I  stood  the  bet, 
and  would,  had  I  known  that  that  vv  ould  have 
been  the  case,  and  the  third  day  afterwards, 
we  heard  a  prodigious  heavy  cannonade,  and 
that  day  the  fort  was  taken,  sure  enough. — 
Some  months  after,  when  I  was  on  parole,  ho 
called  upon  me  with  his  usual  humour,  and 
mentioned  the  bet.  I  acknowledged  I  had 
lost  it,  but  he  said  he  did  not  mean  to  take  it 
then,  as  I  v/a»  a  prisoner ;  that  he  would,  an- 
other day,  call  on  me,  when  their  army  came 
to  Bennington.  I  replied,  that  he  was  quite 
too  generous,  as  I  had  fairly  lost  it :  besides, 
the  Green  Mountain  Boys  would  not  suffer 
them  to  come  to  Benningtom  Thjs  was  all 
in  good  humor.  I  should  have  been  glad  to 
have  seen  him  after  the  defeat  ^X  Benning- 


!*. 


/ 


i  ,*r. 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


155 


N  .. 


ton,  but  did  not.    It  was  customary  for  a 
guard  to  attend  the  prisoners,  which  was  oft- 
en changed.    One  was  composed  of  tories, 
from  Connecticut,  in  the  vicinity  of  Fairfield 
and  Green  Farms.  The  sergeant's  name  was 
Hoit.    They  y\  ere  very  full  of  their  invec- 
tives against  the  country,  swaggered  of  their 
loyalty  to  their  King,  and  exclaimed  bitterly 
against  the  "cowardly  yankees,"  as  they  were 
pleased  to  term  them,  but  finally  contented 
themselves  with  saying  that,  when  the  coun- 
try was  overcome,  they  should   be  well  re- 
warded for  their  loyalty,  out  of  the  estates  of 
the  whigs,  which  would  be  confiscated.  This 
I  found  to  be  the  general  language  of  tories, 
after  i  arrived  from  England  on  the  American 
coast.    I  heard  sundry  of  them   relate,  that 
the  British  Generals  had  engaged  them  an 
ample  reward  for  all  their  losses,  disappoint- 
ments and  expenditures,  out  of  the  forfeited 
rebels' estates.     This  Ian f^uage  early  taught 
me  what  to  do  with  tories'  estates,  as  far  as 
my  influence  can  go.     For  it   is  really  a 
game  of  hazard  between  whig  and  tory. — 
The  whigs  must  inevitably  have  lost  all,  in  . 
consequence  of  the  abilities  of  the  tories, 
and  their  good  friends,  the  British  ;  and  it  is 
no  more  than  right  the  tories  should  run  the 
same  risk,  in  consequence  of  the  abilities  of 
the  whigs  :    But  of  this,  more  will  be  ob- 
served in  the  sequel  of  this  narrative. 
"Some  of  the  last  days  of  November,  the 


'•  1. ' ! 


;1 


t 


■■'I 


f*. 


i 


i: 


j; 


d  i 


^t 


t« 


h 


.■fi 


156 


MEMOIR    OF 


^"\ 


f 


|1  ■ 


prisoners  were  landed  at  New  York,  and  I 
was  admitted  to  parole,  with  the  other  offi- 
cers, viz:  Procter,  Rowland  and  Taylor. — 
The  privates  were  put  into  the  filthy  church- 
es in  New  York,  with  the  distressed  prisoners 
that  were  taken  at  Fort  Washington;  and 
the  second  night,  sergeant  Roger  Moore, 
who  was  bold  and  enterprising,  (bund  means 
to  make  his  escape,  w  ith  every  of  the  re- 
maining prisoners  that  w  ere  taken  with  me, 
except  three,  who  were  soon  after  exchang- 
ed :  So  that,  out  of  thirty  one  prisoners, 
who  went  with  me  the  round  exhibited  in 
these  sheets,  two  only  died  with  the  enei)[iy, 
and  three  only  were  exchanged;  one  of 
whom  died  after  he  came  within  our  lines ; 
all  the  rest,  at  different  times,  made  their  es- 
cape from  the  enemy. 

"I  now  found  m}  self  on  parole,  and  restrict- 
ed to  the  hmits  of  the  city  of  New  York, 
where  I  soon  projected  means  to  live  in  some 
measure  agreeable  to  my  rank,  though  I  was 
destitute  of  cash.  My  constitution  was  al- 
most worn  out  by  such  a  long  and  barbarous 
captivity.  The  enemy  gave  out  that  I  was 
crazy,  and  wholly  unmanned ;  but  my  vitals 
held  sound,  nor  was  I  delirious  any  more  than 
I  have  been  from  my  youth  up  ;  but  my  ex- 
treme circumstances,  a':  certain  times,  ren- 
dered  it  politic  to  act,  in  some  measure,  the 
madman ;  and,  in  consequence  of  a  regular 
diet  and  exercise,  my  blood  recruited,  and 


COL.  i;THAir   ALLEV. 


157 


\. 


my  nerves  m  a  great  measure  recovered  their 
former  tone,  strength  and  usefulness,  in  the 
course  of  six  mouths. 

"I  next  invite  the  reader  to  a  retrospective ' 
Bight  and  consideration  of  the  doleful  scene 
ofinhumanitv,  exercised  by  Gen.  Sir  WilHam 
Howe,  and  the  army  under  his  command,  to- 
wards the  prisoners  taken  on  Long  Island, 
on  the  27th  day  of  August,  1776  ;  sundry  of 
whom,  were,  in  an  inhuman  and  barbarous 
manner,  murdered  after  they  had  surrender- 
ed their  arms ;  particularly  a  Gen.  Odel,  or 
Woodhull,  of  the  militia,  who  was  hacked  to 
pieces  with  cutlasses,  when  alive,  by  the  light 
horsemen,  and  a  Capt.  Fellows  of  the  Con- 
tinental army,  who  was  thrust  through  with  a 
bayonet,  of  which  wound  he  died  instantly. 

"Sundry  others  were  hanged  up  by  the 
neck,  till  they  were  dead ;  five  on  the  limb  of 
a  white  oak  tree,  and  without  any  reason  as- 
signed, except  that  they  were  fighting  in  de- 
fence of  the  only  blessing  worth  preserving : 
And,  indeed,  those  who  had  the  misfortune 
to  fall  into  their  hands  at  Fort  Washington, 
in  the  month  of  November  following,  met 
with  but  very  little  better  usage,  except  that 
they  were  reserved  from  immediate  death  to 
famish  and  die  with  hunger ;  in  fine,  the  word 
rebel,  applied  to  any  vanquished  persons, 
without  regard  to  rank,  who  were  in  the  con- 
tinental service,  on  the  27th  of  August  afore- 
said, was  thought,  by  the  enemy,  sufficient 

14 


^il 


■^ 


m 


-i» 


^f 


t 


■f.y 


■v 


I' 


j 


158 


MEMOIR   or 


to  sanctify  whatever  cruelties  they  were  pleas- 
ed to  inflict,  death  itself*  not  excepted ;  but 
•  to  pass  over  particulars,  which  would  swell 
my  narrative  far  beyond  my  design. 

"The  private  soldiers,  who  were  brought 
to  New  York,  were  crowded  into  churches, 
and  environed  with  slavish  Hessian  guards,  a 
people  of  a  strange  language,  who  were  sent 
to  America,  for  no  other  design  but  cruelty 
and  desolation ;  and  at  others,  by  merciless 
Britons,  whose  mode  of  communicating  ideas 
being  intelligible  in  this  country  served  only 
to  tantalize  and  insult  the  helpless  and  perish- 
ing ;  but,  above  all,  the  hellish  delight  and 
triumph  of  thetorics  over  them,  as  they  were 
dying  by  hundreds :     This  was  too  much  for 
me  to  bear  as  a  spectator ;  for  I  saw  the  to- 
nes exulting  over  the  dead  bodies  of  their 
murdered  countrymen.    1  have  gone  into  the 
churches,  and  seen  sundry  of  the  prisoners 
in  the  agonies  of  death,  in  consequence  of 
very  hunger,  and  others  speechless,  and  near 
death,  biting  pieces  of  chips ;  others  plead- 
ing for  God's  sake,  for  something  to  eat,  and 
at  the  same  time,  shivering  with  the  cold.?— 
Xlollow  groans  saluted  my  ears,  and  despair 
seemed  to  be  imprinted   on   every  of  their 
countenances.    The  filth  of  these  churches, 
ia  con*j<cquence  of  the  fluxes,  was  almost  be- 
yond description.    The  floors  were  covered 
with  excrements.    I  have  carefully  sought  to 
direct  my  steps  so  as  to  avoid  it,  but  could 


/. 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLETT. 


150 


not.  They  would  beg  for  God's  sake,  for  one 
copper,  or  morsel  of  broad.  I  have  seen  in 
one  of  these  churches,  seven  dead,  at  the 
same  time,  lying  among  the  excrements  of 
th    r  bodies. 

"It  was  a  common  practice  with  tlie  ene- 
my, to  convey  the  dead  from  tliose  filthy  pla- 
ces, in  carts,  to  be  slightly  buried ;  and  i  have 
seen  whole  gangs  of  tories  making  derision, 
and  exulting  over  the  dead,  saying,  ''thorc 
goes  another  load  of  d — d  rebels."  I  have 
observed  the  British  soldiers  to  be  fnll  of 
their  black-guard  jokes,  and  vaunting  en 
those  occasions  ;  but  they  appeared  to  me 
less  malignant  than  tories. 

"The  provisions  dealt  out  to  the  prisoners, 
was  by  no  means  sufficient  for  the  support  of 
life  :  It  was  deficient  in  quantity,  and  much 
more  so  in  quality.  The  prisoners  often  pre- 
sented me  with  a  sample  of  their  bread, 
which  I  certify,  was  damaged  to  that  degree, 
that  it  was  loathsome,  and  unfit  to  be  eaten, 
and  I  am  bold  to  aver  it,  as  my  opinion,  that 
it  had  been  condemued,  and  was  of  the  very 
worst  sort.  I  have  seen  and  been  fed  ipon 
damaged  bread,  in  the  course  of  my  captiv- 
ity, and  observed  the  quality  of  such  bread 
as  has  been  condemned  by  the  en  31  ay,  among 
which  was  very  little  so  efectually  spoiled  as 
that  which  was  dealt  out  to  these  prisoners. 
Their  allowance  of  meat  (as  they  told  me) 
was  quite  trifling,  and  of  the  basest  sort.    I 


•H/ 


^\ 


.I 


!l 


■k 


i 


i 


1 


I 


Pr| 


f  !■! 


,  *r 


8 


•  i 

h 
i 


p, 


iir 


160 


MEMOIR   OF 


never  saw  any  of  it,  but  was  informed,  bad 
as  it  was,  it  was  swallowed  almost  as  quick 
as  they  got  hold  of  it.  I  saw  some  of  them 
sucking  bones  after  they  were  speechless ; 
others,  who  could  yet  speak,  and  had  the  use 
of  their  reason,  urged  me  in  the  strongest 
and  most  pathetic  manner,  to  use  my  inter- 
est in  '  their  behalf;  "for  you  plainly  see," 
said  they,  "that  we  are  devoted  to  death  and 
destruction;"  and,  after  I  had  examined 
more  particularly  into  their  truly  deplorable 
condition,  and  had  become  more  fully  appriz- 
ed of  the  essential  facts,  I  was  persuaded 
that  it  was  a  premeditated  and  systemaiical 
plan  of  the  British  council,  to  destroy  the 
youths  of  our  land,  with  a  view  thereby  to  de- 
ter the  country,  and  make  it  submit  to  their 
despotism ;  but  that  I  could  not  do  them  any 
material  service,  and  that,  by  any  public  at- 
'  tempt  for  that  purpose,  I  might  endanger 
myself  by  frequenting  places  the  most  nau- 
seous and  contagious  that  could  be  conceiv- 
ed of.  I  refrained  going  into  the  churches, 
but  frequently  conversed  with  such  of  the 
prisoners  as  were  admitted  to  come  out  into 
the  yard,  and  found  that  the  systematical 
usage  still  continued*  The  guard  would  oft- 
en drive  me  away,  with  their  fixed  bayonets. 
A  Hessian  one  day  followed  me  five  or  six 
rods,  but  by  making  use  of  my  lees,  I  got  rid 
of  the  lubber.    Sometimes  I  coulct  obtain  a 


COL.  ETHAir   ALLEN. 


161 


led,  bad 
as  quick 
of  them 
3echless ; 
,d  the  use 
strongest 
my  inter- 
linly  see," 
death  and 
examined 
ieplorable 
dly  appriz" 
persuaded 
stemaiical 
iestroy  the 
reby  to  de- 
nit  to  their 
0  them  any 
f  pubhc  at- 
;  endanger 

most  nau- 
»e  conceiv- 

churches, 


little  conversation,  notwithstanding  their  «c-   ' 
verities. 

"I  was  in  one  of  the  church  yards^  and  it 
was  rumoured  among  those  in  t\\e  church, 
and  sundry  of  the  prisoners  cain.e  with  their 
usual  complaints  to  me,  and  r^non^s;  the  rest, 
a  large  boned,  tall  youns^  man,  as  he  told  me, 
from  Pennsylvania,  w\io  was  reduced  to  a 
mere  skeleton.     He  said  he  was  glad  to  sec 
me  before  he  died,  which  he  expected  to  have 
done  last  night,  bnt  was  a  little  revived  ;  he 
farthermore  informed  me,  that  he  and   his 
brother  had  been  urged  to  enlist  into  the 
British  service,  but  had  both  resolved  to  die 
first ;  that  his  brother  had  died  last  night,  in 
consequence  of  that  resolution,  and  that  he 
expected  shortly  to  follow  him  ;  but  I  made 
the  other  prisoners  stand  a  little  off,  and  told 
him,  Avith  a  low  voice,  to  enlist.     He  then 
asked,  whether  it  was  right  in  the  sight  of 
God  ?     I  assured  him  that  it  was,  and  that 
duty  to  himself  obliged  him  to  deceive  tho 
British  by  enlisting,  and  deserting  the  first 
opportunity  ;  upon  which  he  answered  with 
transport,  that  he  would  enlist.    I  charged 
him  not  to  mention  my  name,  as  his  adviser, 
lest  it  should  get  air,  and  I  should  be  closely 
confined,  in  consequence  of  it.    The  integ- 
rity of  these  suffering  prisoners,  is  hardly 
credible.     Many  hundreds,  I  am  confident, 
submitted  to  death,  rather  thair  enlist  in  the 
British  service,  which,  I  am  informed,  they 

14* 


I* 

i 


•11 


«!■ 


(  li" 


162 


MEMOIR   OF 


r- 


\ 


It 


,'^ 


i    ''Ir; 


most  generally  were  pressed  to  do.  I  was 
astonished  at  the  resolution  of  the  brothers 
particularly.  It  seems  that  they  could  not 
be  stimulated  to  such  exertions  of  heroism 
from  ambition,  as  they  were  but  obscure  sol- 
diers ;  strong,  indeed,  must  the  internal  prin- 
ciple of  virtue  be,  which  supported  them  to 
brave  death,  and  one  of  them  went  through 
the  operation,  as  did  many  hundred  others. 
I  readily  grant  that  instances  of  public  vir- 
tue are  no  excitement  to  the  sordid  and  vi- 
cious ;  nor,  on  the  other  hand,  will  all  the 
barbarity  of  Britain  and  Heshland*  awaken 
i  them  to  a  sense  of  their  duty  to  the  public;  but 
these  things  will  have  their  proper  effect  ^n 
the  generous  and  brave.  The  officers  on 
parole  were  most  of  them  zealous,  if  possi- 
ble, to  afford  the  miserable  soldiery  relief,  and 
often  consulted  with  one  another  on  the  sub- 
ject, but  to  no  effect,  being  destitute  of  the 
means  of  subsistence,  which  they  needed. — 
Nor  could  the  officers  project  any  measure, 
which  they  thought  would  alter  their  fate,  or 
so  much  as  be  a  mean  of  getting  them  out  of 
those  filthy  places,  to  the  privilege  of  fresh 
air.  Some  projected  that  all  the  officers 
should  go  in  procession  to  Gen.  Howe,  and 
plead  the  cause  of  the  perishing  soldiers  ; 
but  this  proposal  was  negatived,  for  the  fol- 

*  Meant  for  Hesse,  in  Germany.    These  troops 
wercwhat  were  called  merccDariea;  being  in  the 


pay     a  foreign  power. 


/  r 


^i 


m 


\ 


jy 


COL.   ETHAlf   ALLEN. 


163 


I  I- 

.4 


lowing  reasons,  viz :  Because  that  Gen* 
Howe  must  needs  be  well  acquainted,  and 
have  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  state  and 
condition  of  the  prisoners,  in  every  of  their 
wretched  apartments,  and  that  much  more 
particular  and  exact  than  any  officer  on  pa- 
role could  be  supposed  to  have,  as  the  Gen- 
eral had  a  return  of  the  circumstances  of 
the  prisoners,  by  his  own  officers,  every  mor- 
ning, of  the  number  which  w^ere  alive,  as  al- 
so the  number  which  died  every  twenty  four 
hours  ;  and  consequently  the  bill  of  mortal- 
ity, as  collected  from  the  daily  returns,  lay 
before  him,  with  all  the  material  situations 
and  circumstances  of  the  prisoners ;  and, 
provided  the  officers  should  go  in  procession 
to  Gen.  Howe,  according  to  the  projection, 
it  would  give  him  the  greatest  affront,  and 
that  he  would  either  retort  upon  them,  that 
it  was  no  part  of  their  parole,  to  instruct  him 
in  his  conduct  to  prisoners  ;  that  they  were 
mutinying  against  his  authority,  and,  by  af- 
fronting him,  had  forfeited  their  parole ;  or 
that,  more  probably,  instead  of  saying  one 
word  to  them,  would  order  them  all  into  as 
wretched  a  confinement  as  the  soldiers,  whom 
they  sought  to  relieve  ;  for,  at  that  time,  the 
British,  from  the  General  to  the  private  cen* 
tinel,  were  in  full  confidence,  nor  did  they  so 
much  hesitate,  but  that  they  should  conquer 
the  country.  Thus  the  consultation  of  the 
officers  was  confounded  and  broken  topieces^ 


v^ 


! 


«n 


I!': 


ii!' 


'*. 


n- 


I 


'i 


>  •■ :: 


k 


i<  it 


164 


MEMOIR  OF 


m-r 


• 


w 

m 


i^.: 


K 

■  [■■^:' 

1       U^l 

1        f 

1        ',. 

m 

W 

■j 

i  Bs' 

■"1 

1   ^l'i| 

11^ 

Ub 

4 

11 

I 

1      ■'         'i 

1     '■      1 

1            'i 

V     4 

!>  il   ■    ,-i, 

';    '  '   1    ! 

1  .1      .\.^  1 , 

1  ii-ii 

in  consequence  of  the  dread,  which  at  that 
time  lay  on  their  minds,  of  offending  Gen. 
Howe ;  for  they  conceived  so  murderous  a 
tyrant  would  not  be  too  good  to  destroy  even 
the  officers,  on  the  least  pretence  of  an  af- 
front, as  they  were  equally  in  his  power  with 
the  soldiers ;  and,  as  Gen.  Howe  perfectly 
understood  the  condition  of  the  private  sol- 
diers, it  was  argued  that  it  was  exactly  such 
as  he  and  his  council  had  devised,  and  as  he 
meant  to  destroy  them,  it  would  be  to  no  pur- 
pose for  them  to  try  to  dissuade  him  from  it, 
as  they  were  helpless  and  liable  to  the  same 
fate,  on  giving  the  least  affront ;  indeed,  anx- 
ious apprehensions  disturbed  them  in  their 
then  circumstances. 

"Mean  time  mortality  raged  to  such  an  in- 
tolerable degree  among  the  prisoners,  that 
the  very  school  boys  in  the  streets  knew  the 
mental  design  of  it  in  some  measure ;  at. 
least,  they  knew  that  they  were  starved  to 
death.  Some  poor  women  contributed  to 
their  necessities,  till  their  children  were  al- 
most starved,  and  all  persons  of  common  un- 
derstanding knew,  that  they  were  devoted  to 
the  crudest  and  worst  of  deaths.  It  was  al- 
so proposed  by  some,  to  make  a  written  rep- 
resentation of  the  condition  of  the  soldiery, 
and  the  officers  to  sign  it,  and  that  it  should 
be  couched  in  such  terms,  as  though  they 
were  apprehensive  that  the  General  was  in^ 
posed  upon  by  his  officers,  in  their  daily  re- 


CDL.   BtHAi^  ALLEN. 


l€5 


turns  to  him,  of  the  state  and  condition  of 
the  prisoners  ;  and  that,  therefore,  the  offi- 
cers, moved  with  compassion,  were  constrain* 
ed  to  communicate  to  him  the  facts  relative 
to  them,  nothing  doubting  but  that  they 
would  meet  with  a  speedy  redress ;  but  this 
proposal  was  most  generally  negatived  also^ 
and  for  much  the  same  reason  offered  in  the 
other  case ;  for  it  was  conjectured  that  Gen. 
Howe's  indignation  would  be  moved  against 
such  officers  as  should  attempt  to  whip  him 
over  his  officers'  backs  ;  that  he  would  dis- 
cern that  himself  was  really  struck  at,  and 
not  the  officers  who  made  the  daily  returns  ; 
and,  therefore,  self  preservation  deterred  the 
officers  from  either  petitioning  or  remonstra- 
ting to  Gen.  Howe,  either  verbally  or  in  wri- 
ting ;  as  also  the  consideration  that  no  valu- 
able purpose  to  the  distressed  would  be  ob- 
tained. 

"I  made  several  rough  drafts  on  the  sub- 
ject, one  of  which  I  exhibited  to  Cols.  Ma- 
gaw.  Miles  and  Atlee,  and  they  said  that  they 
would  consider  the  matter;  soon  after  I  call- 
ed on  them,  and  some  of  the  gentlemen  in- 
formed me,  that  they  had  written  to  the  Gen- 
eral on  the  subject,  and  I  concluded  that  the 
gentlemen  thought  it  best  that  they  should 
write  without  me,  as  there  was  such  spirited 
aversion  subsisting  between  the  British  and 
me. 
^In  the  mean  time  a  Col.  Hussecket,  of  the 


?|5 


i     ». 


1 1 


I* 


1^ 


166 


i 


'  I !  ff 


if 


,  "I  ■  i* 


MEMOIR  OF 


continental  army,  as  he  then  reported,  was 
taken  prisoner,  and  brought  to  New  York, 
who  gave  out  that  the  country  was  almost 
universally  submitting  to  the  English  King's 
authority,  and  that  there  would  be  little  or  no 
more  opposition  to  Great  Britain  :  This  at 
first  gave  the  officers  a  little  shock,  but  in  a 
few  days  recovered  themselves ;  for  this  Col. 
Hussecker,  being  a  German,  was  feasting 
with  Gen.  De  Heister,  his  countryman,  and 
from  his  conduct,  they  were  apprehensive, 
that  he  was  a  knave;  at  least,  he  was  esteem- 
ed so  by  most  of  the  officers ;  it  was,  nev-^ 
ertheless,  a  day  of  trouble.  The  enemy 
blasphemed.  Our  littW  army  was  retreating 
in  New  Jersey,  and  our  yoimg  men  murdered 
by  hundreds  in  New  York  :  The  army  of 
Britain  and  Heshland  prevailed  for  a  little 
season,  as  though  it  was  ordered  by  Heaven 
to  shew,  to  the  latest  posterity,  what  the  Brit- 
ish would  have  done  if  they  could,  and  what 
the  general  calamity  must  have  been,  in  con- 
sequence of  their  conquering  the  country, 
and  to  excite  every  honest  man  to  stand  forth 
in  the  defence  of  liberty,  and  to  establish  the 
independency  of  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica forever :  But  this  scene  of  adverse  for- 
tune did  not  discourage  a  Washington  :  The 
illustrious  American  hero,  remained  immov- 
able. In  liberty^s  cause  he  took  up  his  sword : 
This  reflection,  was  his  support  and  ^onso*- 
latioQ  in  the  day  of  his  humiliation,  when  he 


'J 


V 


'       \ 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


167 


retreated  before  the  enemy,  through  New- 
Jersey  into  Pennsylvania.  Their  triumph 
only  roused  his  indignation  ;  and  the  impor- 
tant cause  of  his  country,  which  lay  near  his 
heart,  moved  him  to  cross  the  Delaware 
again,  and  take  ample  satisfaction  on  his 
pursuers.  No  sooner  had  he  circumvallated 
his  haughty  foes,  and  appeared  in  terrible  ar-  , 
ray,  but  the  host  of  Heshland  fell.  Thig 
taught  America  the  intrinsic  worth  of  perse- 
verance, and  the  generous  sons  of  freedom 
flew  to  the  standard  of  their  common  safe- 
guard and  defence  ;  from  which  time  the 
arm  of  American  liberty  hath  prevailed.* 

•  The  American  army  being  greatly  reduced  by 
the  loss  of  men  taken  prisoners,  and  by  the  depar* 
ture  of  men  whose  enlistments  had  expired,  Gen. 
Washington  was  obliged  to  retreat  towards  Phila- 
delphia. Gen.  Howe,  exulting  in  his  successes, 
pursued  him,  notwithstanding  the  weather  was  se- 
verely cold.  To  add  to  the  disasters  of  ihe  Ameri- 
cans, Gen.  Lee  was  surprised  and  taken  prisoner  at 
Baskenridge.  In  this  gloomy  state  of  affairs,  many 
persons  joined  the  British  cause,  and  took  protec* 
tions.  But  a  small  band  of  heroes  checked  the  tide 
of  British  success.  A  division  of  Hessians  had 
advanced  to  Trenton,  where  they  reposed  in  secu- 
rity. Gen.  Washington  was  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  Delaware,  with  about  three  thousand  men, 
many  oi  whom  were  without  shoes  or  convenient 
clothing  ;  and  the  river  was  covered  with  floating 
ice.  But  the  General  knew  the  importance  of 
striking  some  successful  blow,  to  animate  the  ex- 
piring hopes  of  the  country  ;  and  on  the  night  of 


I -Ml 


1   . 


it 


i  *. 


J:  i  11 1 


'. 


'I: 


ii: 


i^ 


-« M 


•  « 


■f 


.1! 


;1 


! 


i 


II 


:1 


I:!r:    1. 


168 


^pi,OlK  OF 


This  surprise  and  capture  of  the  Hessii^!)? 
enraged,  the  enemy,  who  were  still  vastly 
more  numerous  than  the  continental  troops : 
They,  therefore,  collected,  and  marched  from 
Princeton,  to  attack  Gen.  Washington,  who 
was  then  at  Trenton,  having  previously  left 
a  detachment  from  their  main  body  at  Prince- 
ton, for  the  support  of  that  place.  This  was 
a  trying  time  for  our  worthy  General,  though 
in  possession  of  a  late  most  astouishing  vic- 
tory, was,  by  no  means,  able  to  withstand  the 
collective  force  of  the  enemy ;  but  his  saga- 
city soon  suggested  a  stratagem  to  effect 
that  which,  by  force,  to  him  was  at  that  tirne 
impracticable:  He  therefore  amused  the 
enemy  with  a  number  of  fires,  and  in  the 
night  made  a  forced  march,  undiscovered  by 
them,  and  next  morning,  fell  in  with  their  rear 
guard  at  Princeton,  and  killed  and  took  most 
of  them  prisoners.  The  main  body  too  late 
perceived  their  rear  was  attacked,  hurried 
back  with  all  speed,  but,  to  their  mortification, 
found  they  were  out-generalled,  and  baffled 
by  Gen.  Washington,  who  had  retired  with 
his  little  army  towards  Morristown,  and  was 

December  25th,  crossed  the  river,  and  fell  on  the 
enemy  by  surprise,  and  took  the  whole  body,  con- 

.sistingof  about  nine  hundred  men.    A  few  were 
killed,  among  whom  was  Colonel  Rahl,thecom- 

^  mander. 

[Webster^s  Ekments. 


'-._■■  ^r--       r      u 


/      S 


\-    ■    H' 

S    ' 
It 


►  1  1    ! 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


169 


I  vastly 
troops : 
led  from 
3n,  who 
usly  left 
t  Prince- 
rhis  was 
I,  though 
hing  vic- 
stand  the 
his  saga- 
to  eifect 
that  time 
lused  the 
id  in  the 
3vered  hy 
their  rear 
ook  most 
ytoo  late 
S,  hurried 
tification, 
d  baffled 
ired  with 
,  and  was 

fell  on  (he 
body,  con- 
few  were 
^1,  the  com* 


out  of  their  power.*  These  repeated  suc- 
cesses, one  on  the  back  of  the  other,  cha* 
grined  the  enemy  prodigiously,  and  had  an 
amazing  operation  in  the  scale  of  American 
politics,  and  undoubtedly  was  one  of  the  cor- 
ner stones,  on  which  their  fair  structure  of 
Independenc  has  been  fabricated  ;  for  the 
country  at  no  one  time  has  ever  been  so  much 
dispirited  as  just  before  the  morning  of  this 
glorious  success,  which  in  part  dispelled  the 

*  On  the  2d  of  January,  1777,  Loid  Gornwallis 
appeared   near  Trenton,   with   a  strong  body  of 
troops.     Skirmishing  took  place,  and  impeded  the 
march  of  the  British  army,  until  the  Anf!ericans  had 
secured  their   artillery   and   baggage  ;  when  they 
retired  to  the  southward  of  the  creek,  and  repulsed 
the  enemy  in  their  attempt  to  pass  the  bridge.    As 
Gen.  Washington's  force  was  not  sufficient  to  meet 
the  enemy,  and  his  situation  was  critical,  he   de- 
termined, with  the  advice  of  a   council  of  war,  to 
attempt  a  stratagem.    He  gave  orders  for  the  troops 
to  light  fires  in  their  camp,  (which  were  intended 
to  deceive  the  enemy )  and  he  prepared  to  march. 
Accordingly  at   12  o'clock  at  night  the  troops  left 
the  ground,  and  by  a  circuitous  march  eluded  the 
vigilance  of  the  enemy,  and  early  in  the  morning 
appeared  at  Princeton..    A  smart  action  ensued,  but 
the  British  troops  gave  way.     A  party  took  refuge 
in  the  college,  a  building  with  strong  stone  walls, 
but  were  forced  to  surrender.     The  enemy  lost  in 
killed,  wounded  and  prisoners,  about  five  hundred 
men.    The   Americans  lost  but    few   men  ;  but 
among  them,  was  a  most  valuable  officer,  General 
Mercer.  [  Webster^s  Elements, 

15 


T:-} 


it 


4 


i 


i- 


■i 
J 


I 


|l    > 


'■  ■  i  V. 


t- 


r 
I 


\ 


;l     i 


170 


IfGMOIR   OF 


gloomy  clouds  of  oppression  and  slavery, 
which  lay  pending  over  America,  bigwith  the 
ruin  of  this  and  future  generations,  and  en- 
lightened and  spirited  her  sons  to  redouble 
their  blows  on  a  merciless,  and  haughty,  and, 
I  may  add,  perfidious  enemy. 

"Farthcrmore,  this  success  had  a  mighty 
effect  on  Gen.  Howe  and  his  council,  and 
roused  them  to  a  sense  of  their  own  weak- 
ness, and  convinced  them  that  they  were  nei- 
ther omniscient  nor  omnipotent.  Their  ob- 
duracy and  death-designing  malevolence,  in 
some  measure,  abated  or  was  suspended.— 
The  prisoners,  who  were  condemned  to  tfce 
most  wretched,  and  crudest  of  deaths,  arid 
who  survived  to  this  period,  though  most  of 
them  died  before,  were  immediately  ordered 
to  be  sent  within  Gen.  Washington's  lines  for 
an  exchange  ;  and,  in  consequence  of  it, 
were  taken  out  of  their  filthy  and  poisonous 
places  of  confinement,  and  sent  out  of  New 
York  to  their  friends  in  haste ;  several  of 
them  fell  dead  in  the  streets  of  New  York, 
as  they  attempted  to  walk  to  the  vessels  in 
the  harbor,  for  their  intended  embarkation. 
What  numbers  lived  to  reach  the  lines,  I  canr 
not  ascertain,  but,  from  concurrent  represen- 
tations which  I  have  since  received  from 
numbers  of  people  who  lived  in  and  adjacent 
to  3uch  parts  of  the  country,  where  they 
were  received  from  the  enemy,  I  apprehend 
that  most  of  them  died  in  consequence  of 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLCN. 


171 


the  vilo  usage  of  the  €iicmy.  Some,  who 
were  eye-witnesses  of  that  scene  of  mortal- 
ity, more  especially  in  that  part  which  con- 
tinued after  the  exchange  took  place,  are  of 
opinion,  that  it  was  partly  in  con&eqncnce  of 
a  slow  poison ;  but  this  I  refer  to  the  doc- 
tors that  attended  them,  who  are  certainly 
the  best  judges. 

"Upon  the  hest  calculation  I  have  been 
able  to  make,  from  personal  knowledge,  and 
the  many  evidences  i  have  collected  in  sup- 
port of  the  facts,  I  learn  that,  of  the  prison- 
ers taken  on  Long  Island,  Fort  Washington 
and  some  few  others,  at  diflerent  times  and 
places,  about  two  thousand  perished  with 
hunger,  cold  and  sickness,  occasioned  by  the 
filth  of  their  prisons,  at  New  York,  and  a 
number  more  on  their  passage  to  the  conti- 
nental lines ;  most  of  the  residue,  who  reach- 
ed their  friends,  having  received  their  death 
wound,  could  not  be  restored  bv  the  assist- 
ance  of  physicians  and  friends;  but,  like 
their  brother  prisoners,  fell  a  sacrifice  to  the 
relentless  and  scientific  barbarity  of  Britain. 
I  took  as  much  pains  as  my  circumstances 
would  admit  of,  to  inform  myself  not  only  of 
matters  of  idct,  but  likewise  of  the  very  de- 
sign and  aims  of  Gen.  Howe  and  his  council : 
The  latter  of  whxh  I  predicated  on  the  for- 
mer, and  submit  it  to  the  candid  public. 

"And  lastly,  the  aforesaid  success  of  the 
American  arms  had  a  happy  effect  on  the 


A 


.■1  .i 


^*1 


%• 


t 


( 
-  'i 


<*    W 


172 


MEMOIR   OF 


H 


li\ 


D 


continental  officers,  who  were  on  par^'n  ct 
New  York  :  A  number  of  us  assembled,  but 
not  in  a  public  manner,  and,  with  full  bowls 
and  glasses,  drank  Gen.  Washington's  health, 
and  were  not  unmindful  of  Congress,  and 
our  worthy  friends  on  the  continent,  and  al- 
most forgot  that  wo  were  prisoners. 

"A  few  days  after  this  recreation,  a  British 
officer  of  rank  and  importance  in  their  army, 
whose  name  I  shall  not  mention  in  this  narra- 
tive, for  certain  reasons,  though  I  have  men- 
tioned it  to  some  of  my  close  friends  and 
confidants,  sent  for  me  to  his  lodgings,  and 
told  me,  "That  faithfulness,  though  in  ^ 
wrong  cause,  had,  nevertheless,  recommend- 
ed me  to  Gen.  Sir  William  Howe,  who  was 
minded  to  make  me  a  Colonel  of  a  regiment 
of  new  levies,  ahas  tories,  in  the  British  ser- 
vice ;  and  proposed  that  I  should  go  with 
him,  and  some  other  officers,  .'o  England,  who 
would  embark  for  that  purpose,  in  a  few 
days,  and  there  be  introduced  to  Lord  G. 
Germaine,  and  probably  to  the  King  ;  and^ 
that  previously,  I  should  be  clothed  equal  to 
such  an  introduction,  and,  instead  of  paper 
rags,  be  paid  in  hard  guineas;  after  this, 
should  embark  with  Gen.  Burgoyne,  and  as- 
sist in  the  reduction  of  the  country,  which  in- 
fallibly would  be  conquered,  and,  when  that 
should  be  done,  I  should  have  a  large  tract 
of  land,  either  in  the  New  Hampshire  grants, 
or  in  Connecticut,  it  would  make  no  odds,  as 


ir 


COL*   ETfTAir   ALtBN^ 


173 


ih 


■j(i,  but 
bowls 
health, 
ss,  and 
and  al- 

British 

ir  armyt 
s  narra- 
ve  men- 
nds  and 
[igs,  and 
gh  in  a 
»nimena- 
vho  was 
regiment 
itish  ser- 
go  with 
and,  who 
n  a  few 
Lord  G. 
g  ;  and» 
equal  to 
[of  paper 
[fter  this, 
,  and  as- 
hich  in- 
hen  that 
•ge  tract 
e  grants, 
odds,  as 


the  country  would  be  forfeited  to  the  crown." 
I  then  replied,  ^^That,  if  by  faithfulness,  I  had 
recommended  ayself  to  Gen.  Howe,  I  should 
be  loth,  by  unfaithfulness^  to  lose  the  Gener- 
al's good  opinion  ;  besides^,  that  I  viewed  the 
offer  of  land  to  l>c  similar  to  that  which  the 
devil  offered  Jesus  Christ;  "To  give  him  all 
the  kingdoms  of  the  world,  if  he  would  fall 
down  and  worshi;>  him ;"  when,  at  the  same 
time,  that  the  d — d  soul  ha:d  not  one  foot  of 
land  upon  earth."  This  closed  ^he  conver- 
sation, and  the  j^cntleman  turned  from  me 
with  an  air  of  dislike,  saying,  I  was  a  bigot ; 
upon  which  I  retired  to  my  lodgings. 

"Near  the  last  of  November,  I  was  admit- 
ted to  parole  in  New  York,  with  many  other 
American  officers,  and  on  the  22d  day  of 
January,  1 777,  was  with  them  directed  by 
the  British  commissary  of  prisoners,  to  be 
quartered  on  the  westerly  part  of  Lond  Isl- 
and, and  our  parole  continued.  During  my 
imprisonment  there,  no  occurrences  worth 
observation  happened.  I  obtained  the  means 
of  living  as  wefl  as  I  desired,  which,  in  a 
great  measure,  repaired  my  constitution, 
which  had  been  greatly  injured  by  the  severi- 
ties of  an  inhuman  captivity.  I  now  began 
to  feel  myself  composed,  expecting  either  an 
exchange,  or  continuance  in  good  and  honor- 
able treatment ;  but  alas  !  my  visionary  ex- 
pectations soon  vanished.  The  news  of 
the  Conquest  of  Ticonderoga,  by  General 

15* 


•I 


!! 


!i 


174 


MEMOIR    OP 


)'  \ 


Burgoyne,*  and  the  advance  of  his  army  into 
the  country,  made  the  haughty  Britains  a^ain 
to  feel  their  importance,  and  with  that,  their 
insatiable  thirst  for  cruelty. 
J,  "The  private  prisoners  at  New  York,  and 
some  of  the  officers  on  parole,  felt  the  sever- 
ity of  it.  Burgoyne  was  their  demi-god  : 
To  him  they  paid  adoration  :  In  him  the  to- 
rie^laced  their  confidence,  "and  forgot  the 
Lord;  their  God,"  and  served  Howe,  Bur- 
goyne and  Knyphausen,  "and  became  vile  in 
their  own  imaginations,  and  their  fooHsh 
hearts  were  darkened,  professing"  to  be  great 
politicians,  and  relying  oa  foreign  and  merci- 
less invaders,  and  with  them  seeking  the  ruiip, 

•In  June,  1776,  the  British  army  amounting  to 
seven  thousand  men,  besides  Indians  and  Canadi- 
ans, commanded  by  Gen.  BuffjoynOj  crossed  the 
Lake  and  laid  siege  to  Ticonderoga.  Ir>  a  short 
time,  the  enemy  gained  possession  of  Sugar  Hill, 
which  commanded  the  American  lines,  and  Gen. 
St.  Clair,  with  the  advice  of  a  council  of  war,  or- 
dered the  posts  to  be  abandoned.  The  retreat  of 
the  Americans  was  conducted  under  every  possible 
disadvantage — part  of  their  force  embarked  in  bat* 
teaux  and  landed  at  Skenesborough— a  part  march- 
ed by  the  way  of  Castleton  •  but  they  were  oblig- 
ed to  leave  their  heavy  cannon,  and  on  their  march 
lost  a  great  part  of  their  baggage  and  stores,  while 
their  rear  was  harrassed  by  the  British  troops.  An 
action  took  place  between  Col.  Warner,  with  a  bo- 
dy of  Americans,  and  Gen.  Frazer,  in  which  the 
.  Americans  were  defeated,  after  a  brave  resistance, 
with  the  loss  of  a  valuable  officer,  Col.  Francis. 


COL.  ETHAN   ALLtlN. 


175 


bloodshed  and  destruction  of  their  country, , 
"became  fools,"  expecting'  with  them  to 
share  a  dividend  in  the  confiscated  estates  of 
their  neighbors  and  countrymen,  who  fo^jght 
for  the  whole  country,  and  the  religion  and 
liberties  thereof : — "Therefore,  God  gave 
them  over  to  strong  delusions,  to  believe  a 
lie,  that  they  all  might  be  damned.'" 

"The  2^th  day  of  August,  I  was  appre^ 
bended,  and,  under  pretext  of  artful,  mean, 
and  pitiful  pretences,  that  I  had  infringed  on 
my  parole,  taken  from  a  tavern,  where  there 
were  more  than  a  dozen  officers  present,  and 
in  the  very  place  where  those  officers  and 
myself  were  directed  to  be  quartered,  put 
under  a  strong  guard,  and  taken  to  New 
York,  where  I  expected  to  make  my  defence, 
before  the  commanding  officer ;  but,  contra- 
ry to  my  expect«itions,  and  without  the  least 
solid  pretence  ol  justice  or  a  trial,  was  again 
encircled  with  a  strong  guard,  with  fixed  bay- 
onets, and  conducted  to  the  provost-gaol,  in 
a  lonely  apartment,  next  above  the  dungeon, 
and  was  denied  all  manner  of  subsistence, 
either  by  purchase  or  allowance.  The  sec- 
ond day  I  offered  a  guinea  for  a  meal  of  vict- 
uals, but  was  denied  it;  and  the  third  day,  I 
offered  eight  Spanish  milled  dollars  for  a  like 
favor,  but  was  denied;  and,  all  I  could  get 
out  of  the  sergeant's  mouth,  was,  that  by 
G — d,  he  would  obey  his  orders.  I  now  per- 
ceived myself  to  be  again  in  substantial 


m 


>  1 


i*i 


if  i 


a 


); 


V" 


i 


:«  -i 


■^ 


n  \ 


:  ^  ii. : 


176 


IlEMOm  0? 


trouble.  In  this  condition,  I  formed  an  ob- 
lique acquaintance  with  a  Capt.  Travis,  of 
Virginia,  who  was  in  the  dungeon  below  me, 
through  a  little  hofe  which  was  cut,  with  a 
penknife,  through  the  floor  of  my  apartment, 
which  communicated  with  the  dungeon;  it 
was  a  small  crevice,  through  which  I  could 
discern  but  a  very  small  part  of  his  face  at 
once,  when  he  applied  it  to  the  hole  ;  but 
from  the  discovery  of  him  in  the  situation 
which  we  were  both  then  in,  I  could  not  have 
known  him,  which  I  found  to  be  true,  by  an 
after  acquaintance.  I  could,  neverthclesa, 
hold  a  conversation  with  him,  and  soon  per- 
ceived him  to  be  a  gentleman  of  high  spirits, 
who  had  a  high  sense  of  honor,  and  felt  as 
big,  as  though  he  had  been  in  a  palace,  and 
had  treasures  of  wrath  in  stoFe  against  the 
British.  In  fine,  I  was  charmed  with  the 
spirit  of  the  man ;  he  had  been  near  or  quite 
four  months  in  that  dungeon,  with  murderers, 
thieves,  and  every  species  of  criminals,  and 
all  for  the  sole  crime  of  unshaken  fidelity  to 
his  country  ;  but  his  spirits  were  above  de- 
jection, and  his  mind  unconquerable.  I  en- 
gaged to  do  him  every  service  in  my  power, 
and  in  a  few  weeks  afterwards,  with  the  unit^ 
ed  petitions  of  the  ofl!icers  in  the  provost, 
procured  his  dismission  from  the  dark  man^ 
sion  of  fiends,  to  the  apartments  of  his  pe^ 
titioners. 

"And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  third  day,  at 


an  ob- 
avis,  of 
ow  Toe^ 
with  a 
rtment. 
eon;  it 
I  could 
face  at 
»le  ;  but 
ituation 
lot  have 
B,  by  an 
rthelesa, 
jon  per- 
h  spirits, 
d  felt  as 
ace,  and 
ainst  the 
with  the 
'  or  quite 
rdcfcrs, 
als,  and 
idelity  to 
lOve  de- 
le.   I  en- 
^y  power, 
the  unit^ 
proYOst, 
irk  man^ 
)f  his  pe- 

d  day,  at 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN 


177 


the  going  down  of  the  sun,  that  I  was  pre- 
sented with  a  piece  of  boiled  pork,  and  some 
biscuit,  which  the  sergeant  gave  me  to  un- 
derstand, was  my  allowance,  and  I  fed  sweet- 
ly on  the  same  ;  but  I  indulged  my  appetite 
by  degrees,  and,  in  a  few  days  more,  was 
taken  from  that  apartment,  and  conducted 
to  the  next  loft  or  story,  where  there  were 
above  twenty  continental,  and  some  militia 
officers,  who  had  been  taken,  and  imprison- 
ed there,  besides  some  private  gentlemen, 
who  had  been  dragged  from  their  own  homes 
to  that  filthy  place,  by  tories.  Several  of 
every  denomination  mentioned,  died  there, 
some  before,  and  others  after  I  was  put 
there. 

'*The  history  of  the  proceedings  relative  to 
the  provost  only,  were  I  particular,  would 
swell  a  volume  larger  than  this  whole  narra- 
tive :  I  shall,  therefore,  only  notice  such  of 
the  occurrences  which  are  most  c^tTaor* 
dinary. 

"Capt.  Vandyke  bore,  with  an  uncoannon 
fortitude,  near  twenty  months'  confinement 
in  this  place,  and  in  the  mean  time,  was  ve- 
ry serviceable  to  others  who  were  confined 
with  him.  The  allegation  against  him,  as 
the  cause  of  his  confinement,  was  very  ex- 
traordinary :  He  was  accused  of  setting 
fire  to  the  city  of  New  York,  at  the  time  the 
west  part  of  it  was  consumed,  when  it  was 
a  known  fact,  that  he  had  been  in  the  pro* 


n. 


I.! 


If 


«i 


I  ; 


/  ; 


I    ,!♦ 


I' 


178 


IfEKfOIK   OF 


m 

)■  ..■• 

mm 

f 

Ww 

f     '/'' 

hIh 

: 

Wa 

: 

ma 

i 

i'       t 

1  >.    f 

%* 

i 

■  s 

vost  a  week  before  the  fire  broke  out ;  and^ 
in  like  manner,  frivolous,  were  the  ostensible 
accusations  against  most  of  those  who  were 
there  confined  ;  the  case  of  two  militia  of- 
ficers excepted,  who  were  takcR  in  their  at- 
tempting to  escape  from  their  parole ;  and 
probably,  there  may  be  some  other  instances 
which  might  justify  such  a  confinement 

"Mr.  William  Miller,  a  committee  man, 
fi-om  West  Chester  county,  and  state  of  New 
York,  was  taken  from  his  bed  in  the  dead  of 
the  night,  by  his  tory  neighbours,  and  ^  as 
starved  for  three  days  and  nights,  in  an 
apartment  of  the  same  gaol ;  add  to  this  the 
denial  of  fire,  and  that  in  a  cold  season  of  the 
year,  in  which  time  he  walked  day  and  night 
to  defend  himself  against  the  frost,  and  when 
he  complained  of  such  reprehensible  con- 
duet,  the  word  rebd  or  committee  man  was 
deemed  by  the  enemy  a  sufiicient  atonement 
for  any  inhumanity  that  they  could  invent  or 
inflict.  He  was  a  man  of  good  natural  wh- 
derstanding,  a  close  and  sincere  friend  to  the 
liberties  of  America,  and  endured  fourteen 
months'  cruel  imprisonment,  with  that  mag- 
nanimity of  soul,  which  reflects  honor  on 
himself  and  country. 

"Maj.  Levi  Wells  and  Capt.  Ozias  BisseJl, 
were  apprehended  and  taken  under  guard 
from  their  parole  on  Long  Island,  to  the  pro- 
vost, on  as  fallacious  pretences  as  the  for- 
mer, and  were  there  continued  till  their  ex- 


i 


it;  attd^ 

feo  wero 
tiUtia  of- 
their  at- 
ole;  and 
nstances 

tent. 

tee  man, 
e  of  New 
le  dead  of 
,  and  ^  as 
Its,  in  an 
to  this  \hQ 
son  of  the 
and  night 
and  \»hen 


was  Bissell, 
ider  guard 
to  the  pro- 
Jas  the  for- 
til  their  el- 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLElt. 


179 


change  took  place,  which  was  near  iiv« 
months.  Their  Ifidelity  and  7:ealous  attach** 
ment  to  their  country's  cause,  which  was 
more  than  commonly  conspicuous  was,  un- 
douL.edly,  the  real  cause  of  their  confine- 
ment. 

"Major  Brinton  Payne,  Capt.  Flahaven, 
andCapt.  Randolph,  who  had  at  difierent 
times  distinguished  themselves  by  their 
bravery,  especially  at  the  several  actions,  in 
which  they  were  taken,  were  all  the  provo^- 
cations  they  gave,  for  which  they  suffered 
about  a  year's  confinement,  each  in  the  shuiq 
filthy  gaol.* 

"A  few  weeks  after  my  confinement,  on 
the  like  fallacious  and  wicked  pretences,  was 
brought  to  the  same  place,  from  his  parole, 
on  Long  Island,  Major  Otho  Holland  Will- 
iams, now  a  full  Colonel  in  the  continental 
army.  In  his  character  are  united  the  gen- 
tleman, officer,  soldier,  and  friend ;  he  walk- 
ed through  the  prison  with  an  air  of  great 
disdain;  said  he,  "Is  this  the  treatment 
which  gentlemen  of  the  continental  army  are 
to  expect  from  the  rascally  British,  when  in 
their  power  ?  Heaven  forbid  it !''  He  was 
continued  there  about  five  months,  and  then 
exchanged  for  a  British  Major. 

•  The  sufferintjs  (if  the  prisoners  in  New  York, 
who  remained  faithful  to  their  country's  cause,  aro 
stated,  on  other  authorities,  to  have  been  severe 
and  excessive. 


M'1 


■•■  '  I 


i'  'f 


■  t 


i;i' 


# 


I 


180 


hgmoir  or 


['    i 


(• 


!!  ; 


"John  Fell,  Esq.  now  a  member  of  Con- 
gress for  the  state  of  New  Jersey,  was  taken 
from  his  own  house,  by  a  gang  of  infamous 
lories,  and  by  ordtr  of  a  British  General,  was 
sent  to  the  provost,  where  he  was  continued 
near  one  year.    The  stench  of  the  gaol, 
which  was  very  loathsome  and  unhealthy, 
occasioned  a  hoarseness  of  the  lungs,  which 
proved  fatal  to  many  who  weru  there  confin- 
ed, and  reduced  this  gentleman  near  to  the 
point  of  death  ,•  he  was  indeed  given  over 
by  his  friends,  uho  were  about  him,  and  he 
himself  concluded  he  must  die.    I  could  not 
endure  the  thought  that  so  worthy  a  friend 
to  America,  should  have  his  life  stolen  from 
him  in  such  a  mean,  base,  and  scandalous 
•manner,    and  that   his  family    and  friends 
should  be  bereaved  of  so  great  and  desira- 
ble a  blessing,  as  his  farther  care,  unefulness 
and  example,  might  prove  to  them.  I,  there- 
fore, wrote  a  letter  to  Gen.  Robertson,  who 
commanded  in  town,  and  being  touched  with 
the  most  sensible  feelings  of  humanity,  which 
dictated  my  pen  to  paint   dying  distress  in 
such  lively  colours,  that  it  wrought  convic- 
tion even  on  th^  obduracy  of  a  British  Gen- 
eral, and  produced  his  order  to  remove  ♦he 
now  honorable  John  I\^ll,  out  of  a  gaol,  to 
private  lodgings  in  town ;  in  consequence  of 
which,    he   slowly  recovered  his  health. — 
There  is  so  extraordinary  a  circumstance 


h  1' 


OOL.  ETHAN  ALLEN. 


181 


which  intervened  concerning  this  letter,  that 
it  is  worth  noticing. 

♦'Previous  to  sending  it,  I  exhibited  the 
same  to  the  gentleman  on  whose  behalf  it 
was  written,  tor  his  approbation,  and  he  for- 
bid me  to  send  it  in  the  most  positive  and 
expUcit  terms  :  his  reason  was,  "That  the 
enemy  knew,  by  every  morning's  report,  the 
condition  of  all  the  prisoners,  mine  in  par- 
ticular, as  I  have  been  gradually  coming  to 
my  end  for  a  considerable  time,  and  they  ve- 
ry well  knew  it,  and  hkewisc  determined  it 
should  be  accomplished,  as  they  had  served 
many  others  ;  that,  to  ask  a  favor,  would 
give  the  merciless  enemy  occasion  to  tri- 
umph over  me  in  my  last  moments,  and, 
therefore,  I  will  ask  no  favors  from  them,  but 
resign  myself  to  my  supposed  fate."  But 
the  letter  I  sent  without  his  knowledge,  and  I 
confess  I  had  but  little  expectations  from  it, 
yet  could  not  be  easy  till  I  had  sent  it.  It 
may  be  worth  a  remark,  that  this  gentleman 
was  an  Englishman  born,  and  from  the  be- 
ginning of  the  revolution,  has  invariably  as- 
serted, and  maintained  the  cause  of  liberty. 

"The  British  have  made  so  extensive  an 
improvement  of  the  provost  during  the  pre- 
sent revolution,  till  of  late,  that  a  very  short 
definition  Vi^ill  be  sufficient  for  the  dullesl;  ap- 
prehensions. It  may  be  with  propriety  call- 
ed the  British  inquisition,  and  calculated  to 
support  their  oppressive  measures  and  de- 

16 


i 


i 


I  I'f 


182 


MEMOIR  OF 


i 


iK" 

^ii 

I 


t 


I 


It.    M 


I 


%<•   l\ 


i;    ! 


i>  ' 


I :  i# 


I  '  H  Jri 


signs,  by  suppressing  the  spirit  of  liberty ;  as 
also  a  place  to  confine  the  criminals,  and 
most  infamous  ivretches  of  their  own  army, 
where  many  gentlemen  of  the  Anxericaii  jajf- 
my,  and  citizens  thereof,  were  promiscuous* 
ly  confined,  with  every  species  <of  criminals ; 
but  they  divided  into  diflerent  apartments, 
and  kept  at  as  great  r  remove  ^as  circum- 
stances permitted  ;  but  it  was,  nevertheless, 
at  the  option  of  ^  villainous  sergeant,  who 
had  the  charge  of  the  proveat,  to  take  any 
gentleman  from  their  room  and  put  them  into 
the  dungeon,  which  was  often  the  case :  At 
two  different  times,  I  was  taken  down  stairs 
for  that  purpose,  by  a  file  of  soldiers,  with 
fixed  bayonets,  and  the  sergeant  brandishing 
his  sword  at  the  same  time,  and  having  beea 
brought  to  the  door  of  the  dungeon,  I  there 
flattered  the  vanity  of  the  sergeant,  whose 
name  w  as  Keef,  by  which  means  I  procured 
the  surprising  favor  to  return  to  my  compan- 
ions ;  but  some  of  the  high  mettled  young 
gentleman  could  not  bear  his  insolence,  and 
determined  to  keep  at  a  distance,  and  neither 
please  or  displease  the  villain,  but  none  could 
keep  clear  of  his  abuse;  however,  mild  meas- 
ures were  the  best ;  he  did  not  hesitate  to 
call  us  d — d  rebels,  and  use  us  with  the 
coarsest  language.  Captains  Flahaven,  Ran- 
dolph, and  Mercer,  were  the  objects  of  his 
most  flagrant  and  repeated  abuses,  who  were 
many  times  taken  to  the  dungeon,  and  there 


COL.    ETHAN    ALLE:<. 


183 


berty;  as 
nals,  and 
wn  army, 
erican  jajr* 
[inscuous* 
criminals ; 
tartments, 
\B  circum- 
rertheless, 
jant,  who 
take  any 
them  into 
case :  At 
xwn  stairs 

iiers,  with 
randishing 
Lving  heen 
)n,  I  there 
int,  whose 

procured 
y  compan- 
ed  young 

ence,  and 
nd  neither 
lone  could 
nild  meas- 
esitate  to 

with  the 
aven,  Ran- 
cts  of  his 

who  were 
,  and  there 


continued  at  his  pleasure.    Capt.  Flalmvcn 
took  cold  in  the  dungeon,  and  was  in  a  de- 
clining state  of  health,  but  an  exchange  de- 
livered hint,  atfd,  in  all  probability,  saved  his 
life.    It  was  very  mortifying  to  betir  with  the 
insolence  of  such  a  vicious  and  ill  bred  im- 
perious rascal.     Remonstrances  against  him 
were  preferred  to  the   comni-ander  of  the 
town,  but  no  relief  could  be  obtaiired  ;  for  his 
superiors  were,   undoubtedly^   well  pleased 
with  his  abusive  conduct  to  the  gentlemen, 
under  the  severities  of  his  power ;  and   re- 
monstrating against  his  infernal  conduct,  on- 
ly served  to  confirm  him  in  authority ;  and  for 
this  reason,  1  never  made  any  remonstrances 
on  the  subject,  but  only  stroaked  him,  for  I 
knew  that   he  was  but  a  cat's  paw,  in  the 
hands  of  the  British  officers^  and  that,  if  he 
should  use  us  Well,  he  would  immediately  be 
put  out  of  that   trust,  and  a  worse  man  ap- 
pointed to  succeed  him ;  but  there  was  no 
need  of  making  any  new  appointment ;  for 
Cunningham,  their    provost  marshal,   and 
Keef,  his  deputy,  were  as  great  rascals  as 
their  army  could  boast  of,  except  one  Joshua 
Loring,  an  infamous  tory,  who  was  Commis- 
sary of  prisoners  ;  nor  can  any  of  these  be 
supposed  to  be  equally  criminal  with  Gen. 
Sir  Wilham  Howe  and  his  associates,  who 
prescribed  and  directed  the  murders  and  cru- 
elties, which  were  by  them  perpetrated. — 
This  Loring  is  a  monster ! — There  is  not  his 


f 


M 


i  < 


I  ♦  '  .1 


\: 


■  ■  ■»' 


184 


JMEMOIR   OF 


t^  ¥ 


f  :>' 


m 


«ti 


•  1 


m 


like  in  human  shape.  He  exhibits  a  smiling 
countenance,  seems  to  wear  a  phiz  of  hu- 
manity, but  has  been  instrumentally  capaule 
of  th(  most  consummate  acts  of  wickedness, 
whicii  were  first  projected  by  an  aba?idoned 
British  council,  clothed  with  the  authority  of 
a  Howe,  murdering,  premeditatedly,  in  cold 
blood,  near  or  quite  two  thousand  helpless 
prisoners,  and  that,  in  the  most  clandestine, 
mean  and  shameful  manner,  at  New  York. 

*^The  6th  day  of  Juiy,  1777,  Gen.  St.  Clair, 
and  tlie  army  under  his  command,  evacuated 
Ticonderoga,  and  retreated  with  the  main 
body  through  Hubbardton  into  Castleton, 
which  was  but  six  miles  distance,  when  his 
rear  guard,  commanded  by  Col.  Seth  Warn- 
er, was  attacked  at  Hubbardton,  by  a  body 
of  the  enemy  of  about  two  thousand,  com- 
manded by  Gen.  Frazer.  Warner's  com- 
mand consisted  of  his  own  and  tw  o  other  re- 
gimentt;,  viz :  Francis'  and  Hale's,  and  some 
scattering  and  enfeebled  soldiers.  His  whole 
number,  according  to  information,  was  near 
or  quite  one  thousand ;  part  of  which  were 
Green  Mountain  Boys ;  about  seven  hundred 
out  of  the  whole,  he  brought  into  action. — 
The  enemy  advanced  boldly,  and  the  two 
bodies  formed  within  about  sixty  yards  of 
each  other.  Col.  Warner  having  formed  his 
own  regiment  and  that  of  Col.  Francis,  did 
not  wait  for  the  enemy,  but  gave  them  a  hea- 
vy fire  from  his  whole  line,  and  they  returned 


t  i 


I»0L.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


185 


1  ( 

■i 


it  with  great  bravery.  It  was,  by  this  time, 
dangerous  for  those  of  both  parlies,  who  ■ 
were  not  prepared  for  the  worhi  to  come  ; 
but  Col.  Hale,  being  apprised  of  the  danger, 
never  brought  his  regiment  to  the  charge, 
but  left  Warner  and  Francis  to  stand  the 
blowing  of  it,  and  fled,  but  luckily  fell  in  with  • 
an  inconsiderable  number  of  the  cncmv,  and 
to  his  eternal  shame,  surrcndcrcH  himself  a 
prisoner. 

"The  conflict  was  very  blood  .  ^ol.  Fran- 
cis fell  in  the  same,  but  Col.  W  ..i  ,  ind  the 
officers  under  his  command,  as  also  the  sol- 
diery, behaved  with  great  resolution.  The 
enemy  broke,  and  gave  way  on  the  right  and 
left,  but  formed  again,  and  renewed  the  at- 
tack ;  in  the  mean  time,  the  British  grena- 
diers, in  the  centre  of  the  enemy's  line,  main- 
tained the  ground,  and  finally  carried  it  with 
the  point  of  the  bayonet,  and  Warner  retreat- 
ed with  reluctance.  Our  loss  was  about 
thirty  men,  killed,  and  that  of  the  enemy, 
amounting  to  three  hundred,  killed,  including 
a  Major  Grant.  The  enemy's  loss,  I  learnt 
from  the  confession  of  their  own  officers, 
when  a  prisoner  with  them.  I  heard  them 
likewise  complain,  that  the  Green  Mountain 
Boys  took  sight.  The  next  movement  of  the 
enemy,  of  any  material  consequence,  was 
their  investing  Bennington,*  with  a  design  to 

*The  Americans   had   collected   a  quantity  of 
ftores  at  Bennington  ;  to  destroy  which,  as  well  at 

.    ■         :'  16  • 


'.' 


.  I 


I   y 


V  *n  *\ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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Fhotographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


186 


MEMOIR   OF 


'i  • 


i»  I 


'Rhv 


demolish  it,  and  subject  its  Mountaineers^  to 
which  they  had  a  great  aversion,  with  one 
hundred  and  fifty  chosen  men^  including  to* 
ries,  with  the  highest  expectation  of  success, 
and  having  chosen  an  eminence  of  strong 
ground,  fortified  it  with  slight  breast  wori(s, 
and  two  pieces  of  cannon  ;  but  the  govern- 
ment of  the  young. state  of  Vermont,  being 
previously  jealous  of  such  an  attempt  of  the 
enemy,  and  in  due. time  had  procured  a  num- 
ber of  brave  militia,  from  the  government  of 
New  Hampshire,  who,  together  with  the  mi- 
htia  of  the  north  part  of  Berkshire  county, 
and  state  of  Massachusetts,  and  the  Green 
Mountain  Boys,  constituted  a  body  of  reso-| 
lute  men,  under  the  command  of  the  intre- 

to  animate  the  royalisfs  and  intimidate  the  patriots, 
Gen.  Burgoyne  detached  Col.  Baum,  with  five 
hundred  men  and  one  hundred  Indians.  GoK  3rey- 
man  was  Sent  to  reinforce  him,  but  did  not  arrive 
in  time.  On  the  16th  of  August^  Gen.  Stark,  with 
about  eight  hundred  brave  militia  men,  attacked 
Col.  Baum,  in  his  entrenched  camp,  about  six  mile9 
from  Bennington,  and  killed  or  took  prisoners, 
nearly  the  whole  detachment.  The  next  day  CoL 
Breyman  was  attacked  and  defeated.  In  these  ac< 
tions,  the  Americans  took  about  seven  hundred 
prisonets,  and  these  successes  served  to  revive  the 
spirits  of  the  people.  This  success,  however,  was, 
in  part,  counterbalanced  by  the  advantages  gained 
on  the  Mohawk,  by  Col.  St.  Leger  ;  but  this  offir 
eer,  attacking  Fort  Stanwix,  was  repelled,  and 
obliged  to  abandon  the  attempt. 


'i*i 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


137 


p'ld  Gen.  Stark,  who,  in  number,  were  about 
equal  to  the  enemy.  Cpl.  Herrick,  who  eom« 
manded  the  Green  Mountain  Rangers,  and 
who  was  second  in  command,  being  thor- 
oughly acquainted  with  the  ground  where 
the  enemy  had  fortified,  proposed  to  attack 
them  in  their  works  upon  all  parts,  at  th» 
same  time.  This  plan  being  adopted  by  the 
General  and  his  council  of  war,  the  little  mi- 
litia brigade  of  undisciplined  heroes,  with 
their  long  brown  firelocks,  the  best  security 
of  a  free  people,  without  either  cannon  or 
bayonets,  was,  on  the  16th  day  of  August, 
led  on  to  the  attack  by  their  bold  command-^ 
ers,  in  the  face  of  the  enemy's  dreadful  fire, 
and  to  the  astonishment  of  the  world,  and 
burlesque  of  discipline,  carried  every  part  of 
their  lines  in  less  than  one  quarter  of  an  hour 
after  the  attack  became  general,  took  their 
cannon,  killed  and  captured  more  than  two^ 
thirds  of  their  number,  which  immortalized 
Gen.  Stark,  and  made  Bennington  famous  to* 
posterity. 

"Among  the  enemy's  slain  was  found  CoL 
Baum,  their  commander,  a  Col.  Pfester,  wha 
headed  an  in&mous  gang  of  torics,  and  a 
large  part  of  his  command;  and  among  the 
prisoners  was  Major  Meibome,  their  second 
in  command,  a  number  of  British  and  Hes- 
sian officers,  surgeons,  &c.,  and  more  than 
one  hundred  of  the  aforementioned  Pfester's 
command    The  prisoners  being  collected 


i^ 


)  * 


i     1  , 


|: 


« 


188 


MEMOIR   Of 


■^  M. 


'■  y 


1^ 


■u 


Ih 


together,  were  sent  to  the  meeting  house  in 
the  town,  by  a  strong  guard,  and  Sen.  Stark, 
not  imagining  an^  present  danger,  the  mihtia 
scattered  from  him  to  rest  and  refresh  them- 
selves ;  in  this  situation  he  was  on  a  suddea 
attacked  by  a  reinforcement  of  one  thousand 
and  one  hundred  of  the  enemy,  coinmanded 
by  a  Gov.  Skene,  with  two  field  pieces : — 
They  advanced  in  regular  order,  and  kept 
up  an  incessant  fire,  .especially  from  their 
field  pieces,  and  the  remaining  niilitia  retreat* 
ing  slowly  before  tnem,  disputed  the  ground, 
inch  by  inch.    The  enemy  were  heard  to  hal- 
loo to  them,  saying,  "stop  Yankees."    In  the 
mean  time.  Col.  Warner,  with  about  cjne 
hundred  and  thirty  men  of  his  regiment,  who 
were  not  in  the  first  action,  arrived  and  at- 
tacked the  enemy  with  great  fury,  being  de- 
termined to  have  ample  revenge  on  account 
of  the  quarrel  at  Hubbardton,  which  brought 
them  to  a  stand,  and  soon  after.  Gen  Stark 
and  Col.  Herrick,  brought  on  more  of  the 
scattered  militia,  and  the  action  became  gen' 
eral ;  and  in  a  few  minutes,  the  enemy  were 
forced  from  their  cannon,  gave  way  on  all 
parts,  and  tied  ;  and  the  r  -    its  of  victory 
were,  a  second  time,  proclaL.  jd  in  favor  of 
the  militia.    The  enemy's  loss,  in  killed  and 
and  prisoners,  in  these  two  actions,  amount- 
ed to  more  than  one  thousand  and  two  hun- 
dred men,  and  our  loss  did  not  exceed  fifty 
mea.    This  was  a  bitter  stroke  to  the  enemy, 


COL.   BTHAir    ALLEN. 


18^ 


but  their  pride  woold  not  permit  them  to  he- 
sitate but  that  tliey  could  vanquish  the  coun- 
try :  and^  as  a  specimen  of  their  arrogancy, 
I  shall  insert  Geo.  Burgoyne's  proclamation. 

^Btf  John  Burg9yne^  Esq.  Lieutenant-Gener' 
qI  of  his  Majesty^  s  annies  in  America^  Colonel 
of  the  Queen^s  reariment  of  light  drasoonsi^  Gov^ 
ernor  of  Fori  William  in  JVortk  Bntain^  one  of 
the  Representatives  of  the  Commons  of  Greats 
Britain^  in  Parliament,  and  commanding  an  ar^ 
my  and  fleet  employed  on  an  expedition  from  Caw 
ada,  Src.  Src,  ^c, 

"The  forces  entrusted  to  my  command  are 
designed  to  act  in  concert,  and  upon  a 
common  principle,  with  the  numerous  ar- 
mies and  fleets  which  already  display,  in  ev-^ 
ery  quarter  of  America,  the  power,  the  jus- 
tice, and,  when  properly  sought,  the  mercy 
of  the  King. 

"The  cause,  in  which  the*  British  arms  are 
thus  exerted,  applies  to  the  most  affecting 
interests  of  the  human  hc^art ;  and  the  mil- 
itary servants  of  the  crown,  at  first  called 
forth  for  the  sole  purpose  of  restoring  the 
rights  of  the  constitution,  now  combine  with 
love  of  their  country,  and  duty  to  their  sove- 
reign, the  other  extensive  incitements  which 
spring  from  a  due  sense  of  the  general  privi- 
leges of  mankind.  To  the  eyes  and  ears  of 
the  temperate  part  of  the  public,  and  to  the 
breasts  of  suffering  thousands  in  the  provin- 


•It 


fc; 


I ' 


., ..  ■ 


/  ♦ 


i* 


■■«*ki 


190 


MBMOm  OP 


if 


K^ 


ces,  be  the  melancholy  appeal,  whether  the 
present  unnatural  rebellion  ha^s  not  been 
tnade  a  fouAdatioiy  fof  thcreom^pl^teflt  system 
of  tyranny  that  ever  God,  in  his  displeasure^ 
suffered  for  a  time,  to  be  exercised  over  a 
froward  and  stubborn  generation. 

^'Arbitrary  impi^isonment,  confiscatioti  of 
property,  persecution  And  torture^  Unprece;- 
dentedi  in  the  inquisitions  of  the  RomiRh 
church,  are  amon^  the  palpable  enormities 
that  verify  the  amrmaltive.  These  arie  in^ 
dieted  by  assemblies  and  communities^  vvlio' 
dare  to  profess  themselves  friends  to  liDerty^ 
tipon  the  most  qtiiet  subjects,  without  dis- 
tinction of  age  or  sex,  for  the  Uo\^  crime,  oft- 
en for  the  sole  suspicion,  of  having  adhered 
in  principle,  to  the  government  Under  which 
they  were  born^  and  to  which,  by  every  tie, 
divine  «£nd  hOmaA',  they  oWe  altegiahce.  To 
consummate  these  shocking  proceedings,  the 
profanation  of  religion  i^  adfded  to  the  most 
profligate  prostitution  of  cOmmoft  reason ; 
the  Consciences  of  men  are  set  at  nought ; 
and  multitudes  afe  compelled,  not  otih  to 
bear  arms^  but  also  to  swear  subjection  to  an 
iisurpation  thejr  abhor. 

'^'Animated  by  these  considerations ;  at 
the  head  of  troops  iti  the  full  po\vers  of  heahh, 
discipline,  and  ValOi" ;  determined  to  strike 
Where  necessary,  and  anxious  to  spare  where 
possible,  I,  by  th^se  presents,  invite  and  ex- 
hort all  persons,  in  all  places,  where  the  pro-^ 


er  th6 
been 
(ydtem 
5a€urey 
over  a 

tioti  of 
iprece; 

rmitics 
are  in^ 

Ubertyf 
itit  dis- 
me,  otx- 
adhered 
tr  which 
ive^y  ti(i, 
^e.  to 
ings,the 

;he  most 
reason ; 
nought ; 
orJv  to 
on  to  an 

[)ns  ;  at 
f  health, 
to  strike 
e  where 
and  ex- 
the  pro- 


COL.   ETHAN  ALLE!'. 


m 


meBB  of  this  army  ma^  fk^Qjt ;  ^pd  by  th« 

EleQsing.Oif  Qod,I  will  e^end  k  f<Lr,toinain- 

tain^au';b  a  conduct  as  may  justify  i;ne  in  pro- 

teeUngtheir  lands,  h^^bitations  and  families. 

The  intention  of  this  ^address  is  to  hol4  ^^^ 

secij^rity,  jiot  ;depredat.ion  to  the  country.   To 

thoae  whora  spirit  and  principle  n^y  iiiduce 

to  pa^rtake  of  the  glorious  task  of  redeeming 

their  .pountryme^  from  dunge^onis,  and  re-e^- 

tablishipg  the  Messings  of  legal  goverj^ment, 

I  ofier^encourjagement  and  employment ;  ^nd 

upon  the  ^rst  intelligence  of  their  associ^.- 

tions,  I  will  iind  means  tp  ^assisjt  their  underr 

takings.    The  domestic,  the  industrious,  tli^o 

infirnpU  ^^^d  even  the  timid  inhabitants,  I  am 

desirx>us  to  protect,  provided  they  remain 

quietly  at  their  houi&jes ;  that  they  do  not  sufr 

fer  their  cattle  to  be  rpmoyed,  nor  their  corn 

or  forage  to  be  secreted  or  destroyed ;  that 

they  do  not  breajc  up  their  bridges  or  roads ; 

nor  by  any  otlier  act^  directly  or  indirectly, 

endeavour  to  .obstruct  the  operations  of  the 

King's  troopjB,  or  supply  or  assist  those  of 

the  enemy.     Every  species  of  provision* 

brought  1^0  my  camp,  will  be  paid  Cor,  at  an 

equitable  rate,  and  in  solid  coin. 

"In  cqnspiouanegs  of  Christianity,  my  royal 
master's  clemency,  and  the  honor  of  soldier- 
ship, I  have  dwek  upon  this  invitation,  and 
wished  for  more  persuasive  terms  to  give  it 
impression :  And  let  not  people  be  led  to 
disregard  it,  by  considering  their  distance 


!     I'  'I 


% 


1. 1 


I) 


1 


^•i 


\: 


I' 


•■     *  ». 


191 


MBMOIR  OF 


I  '. 


from  :He  immediate  situation  of  m;^  <;amp.<^ 
I  have  but  to  ^ive  stretch  to  the  Indian  forces 
under  my  direction,  and  they  amount  to 
thousands,  to  overtake  the  hardened  ene- 
mies of  Great  Britain  and  America :  I  oon- 
sider  them  the  same  wherever  they  may  lurk. 

^4f,  notwithstanding  these  endeavours,  and 
sincere  inclinations  to  effect  them,  the 
phrenzy  of  hostility  should  remain,  I  trust  I 
shall  stand  acquitted  in  the  eyes  of  God  and 
men,  in  denouncing  and  executing  the  ven- 
geance of  the  state  :against  the  wilful  out- 
casts.— The  messengers  of  justice  and  of 
^vrath  aw9.it  them  in  the  field ;  and  devasta- 
tion, famine,  and  every  concomitant  hOrror 
that  a  reluctant  but  indispensable  prosecu- 
tion,of  military  duty  must  occasion,  will  bar 
the  way  to  their  return. 

J.  BURGOYNE. 

^^By  his  Excellency  the  Lieutenant  General^ 

RoBT.  Kingston,  Sec^y, 

^Camp  near  Ticonderoga^  Ath  July^  1777." 
"Gen.  Burgoyne  was  still  the  toast,  and  the 
severities  towards  the  prisoners,  were,  in  a 
great  measure  increased  or  diminished,  in 
•proportion  to  the  expectation  of  conquest. 
His  very  ostentatious  Proclamation  was  in 
the  hand  and  mouth  of  most  of  the  soldiery, 
especially  the  tories,  and  from  it,  their  faith 
was  raised  to  assurance.— I  wish  my  country^ 
men  in  general  could  but  have  an  idea  of  the 
assuming  tyranny,  and  haughty,  malevolent, 


COL.  ETHAN  ALLEN. 


192 


and  insolent  behavior  of  the  enemy,  at  that 
time ;  and  from  thence  discern  the  intolera- 
ble calamities  which  this  country  have  extri- 
cated themselves  from,  by  their  public  spirit- 
edness  and  bravery. — The  downfall  of  Gen. 
Burgoyne,*  and  surrender  of  his  whole  ar- 
my, dashed  the  aspiring  hopes  and  expecta- 
tions of  the  enemy,  and  brought  low  the  im- 
Eious  spirit  of  an  opulent,  puissant  and 
aughty  nation,  and  made  the  tories  bite  the 
ground  with  anguish,  exalting  the  valor  of 
the  free  born  sons  of  America,  and  raised 

*  Gen.  Burgoyne,  after  collecting  bis  forces  and 
stores,  crossed  the  Hudson,  with  a  view  to  pene- 
tiate  to  Albany.  But  tbe  American  army  being 
reinforced  daily,  held  him  in  check  at  Saratoga. — 
Gen.  Gates  now  took  the  command,  and  was  aided 
by  Generals  Lincoln  and  Arnold.  On  the  19th  of 
September,  the  Americans  attacked  the  British  ar- 
my, and  with  such  bravery,  that  the  enemy  could 
boast  of  no  advantage,  and  night  put  an  end  to  the 
action.  Tbe  loss  of  the  enemy  was  about  five 
hundred.  Gen.  Burgoyne  was  confined  in  a  nar- 
row pass— having  the  [ludson  on  one  side,  and  i:i!- 
passable  woods  on  the  other — a  body  of  Americans 
was  in  his  rear — hijs  boats  he  had  ordered  to  be 
burnt,  and  he  could  not  retreat — while  an  army  of 
thirteen  thousand  men  opposed  him  in  front.  On 
the  7th  of  October,  the  armies  came  to  a  second  ac- 
tibh,in  which  the  British  lost  Gen.  Frazer,  with  a 
great  number  of  officers  and  men,  and  were  driven 
within  their  lines.  On  the  part  of  the  Americans, 
the  loss  was  not  great,  but  Generals  Lincoln  and 
Arnold  were  woundod.       Webster's  Elements, 

17 


4 


t! 


:•  t 


M\ 


1 


I 


t 


193 


MEMOIR  OF 


iiU 


k 


their  fame  and  that  ofiiheir  hrave  command- 
ers to.  the  vcloudiU  and  immortalized  General 
Gates,  vWith  laurols  of  eternal  duration. — No 
sooner  had  the  knowledge  of  this  interesting 
and  mighty  e,¥ent  reached  his  most  Christian 
Majesty**  who,  inJEurope,  shines  with  a  su- 
perior lustre  in  goodness,  policy  and  ^arms, 
but  the  illustrious  potentate,  i^uspiciously  in- 
fluenced by  Jleaven  to  promote  the  recipro- 
cal interest  ^nd  ha,ppinQss  of  the  (incient 
;Hingdojn  of  France,  and  the  jiew  and  rising 
States  of  America,  passed  the  great  and  de- 
cisive decree,  that  the  United  States  of 
^meiica,  should  be  free  and  independent.-^ 
Vauut  no  more,  Old  England  i  consider  you 
are  but  an  island !  and  that  your  power  has 
been  continued  longer  than  the,  exercise  of 
your  humanity.  Qrder  yourbrgken  and  van- 
^qiiished  batt^llions  to  retire  from  America, 
the.  scene  of  ^your  cruelties.  Go  home  and 
repent  in  dust  and  sackloth  for  your  aggra- 
vated crimes.  'The  cries  of  bereaved  pa- 
rents, widows  and  orphans,  reac^  the  Heav- 
.ens,  and  you.  are  abominated  .by  every  Mend 
,to  Ameri^^a.  Take  your  Memisythe  tories« 
«^ith  you,and  be  gpne,  and  drinkdeep  of  the 

*  It  appearii|'l?y  tbiSfihat  the  Colonel,  although  a 
,8tau9ph  wjbig»«oHi<),  if  oceaaion  required,  ap^ak  in 
.coniiDendatioaotcrji»wrted>  heads.  It  is  to  be  eonsid* 
;e.red,  however,'tbAtrthe'4french  King,  by  his  kind 
^'measures  in  regard  to  our  Revolutionary  caiisO}  bad 
!;iv^^l,iDAerited  this  tribute  to  nia  worth. 


••■I 


COL.   ETHAfT  ALLEN. 


194 


cup  of  humiliation.    Make  peace  with  the 
Princes  of  the  house  of  Bourbon  ;  for  you 
are  in  no  condition  to  wage  war  with  them. 
Ybur  veteran  soldiers  are  fallen  in  America, 
and  your  glory  is  departeds    Be  quiet  and 
pay  your  debts,  especially  for  the  hire  of  the 
Hessians.    There  is  no  other  way  for  you  to 
get  into  credit  again,  but  by  reformation  and 
'plain  honesty,  which  you  have  despised;  for 
your  power  is  by  no  means  sufficient  to  sup- 
port your  vanity.    I  have  had  opport«rnity  to 
see  a  great  deal  of  it,  and  felt  its  severe  ef- 
fects, and  learned  lessons  of  wisdom  and  pol- 
icy, when  I  were  your  heavy  irons,  and  bore 
your  bitter  revilings  and  reproaches.    I  have 
sometliing*  of  a  smattering  of  philosophy, 
and  understand  human  nature  in  all  its  stages 
tolerably  well ;  am  thoroughly  acquainted 
with  your  national  crimes,  and  assure  you, 
that  Iney  not  only  cry  aloud  for  Heaven's 
vengeance,  but  excite-  mankind  to  rise  up 
agamst  you;    Virtue,  wisdom  and  policy  are, 
in  a  national  sense,  always  connected  with 
powery  or  in  other  words,  power  is  their  off- 
springr^and^  such  power  as  is  directed  by  vir- 
tue, wisdonr  and  policy,  never  fails  finally  to 
destroy  itself,  as  yours  has  done.    It  is  r  o  in 
the\iatttre'of  things,  and  unfit  that  it  should 
be  otherwise ;  for  if  it  was  wot  so,  vanity,  in- 
justice and  oppression",  might  reign  trium- 
phant forever.    I  know  you  have  individuals, 
who  still  retain  their  virtue,  and,  consequent- 


■\" 


i 


i',' 


195 


MEMOIR  OP 


ly,  their  honor  and  humanity.  Those  I  really 
pity,  08  they  must  more  or  less  suffer  in  the 
calamity,  in  which  the  nation  is  plunged 
headlong ;  but  as  a  nation,  I  hate  and  despise 
you. 

"My  affections  are  Frenchified. — I  glory 
in  Louis  the  sixteenth,  the  generous  and 
powerful  ally  of  these  States ;  am  fond  of  a 
connection  with  so  enterprising,  learned,  po- 
lite, courteous  and  commerciala  nation,  and 
am  sure  that  I  express  the  sentiments  and 
feelings  of  all  the  friends  to  the  present  revo* 
lution.  I  begin  to  learn  the  French  tongue, 
and  recommend  it  to  my  countrymen,  before 
Hebrew,  Greek  or  Latin,  (provided  but  one 
of  them  is  to  be  attended  to)  for  the  trade 
and  commerce  of  these  States,  in  future, 
must  inevitably  shift  its  channel  from  Eng- 
land to  France,  Spain  and  Portugal;  and, 
therefore,  the  statesman,  politician  and  mer- 
chant, need  be  acquainted  with  their  several 
languages,  particularly  the  French,  which  is 
much  in  vogue,  in  most  parts  of  Europe. — 
Nothing  could  have  served  so  effectually  to 
illuminate,  polish  and  enrich  these  States,  as 
the  present  revolution,  as  well  as  preserve 
their  liberty.  Mankind  are  naturally  too  na- 
tional, even  to  a  degree  of  bigotry ;  and  com- 
mercial intercourse,  with  foreign  nations,  has 
a  great  and  necessary  tendency  .to  improve 
mankind,  and  erase  the  superstition  ,of  the 
mind  by  acquainting  them  that  human  i^a- 


-  ■  '-  ■  ■■-*■■• 


^ifi' 


cot.  CTHAV   ALLEtr 


195 


ture,  policy  andintefeBt,  are  the  same,  ia  all 
nations,  aiid  a/t  the  same  time  they  are*  bar- 
tering commodilies  for  the  conveniences  and 
happiness  of  each  nation,  thev  may  recipro- 
early  exchange  suclv  part  oi  their  customs 
and  manners  as  may  be  beneficial,  and  learn 
to  extend  charity  and  good  will  t&  the  whole 
world  of  mankind. — I  was  eoniined  in  the 
provost  gaol  at  New  York,  the  26th  day  of 
August,  and  continued  there  to  the  3d  day  of 
May,  1778^  whea  I  was  taken  out  under 
guard,  and  conducted  to  a  sloop  in  the  har- 
bour at  New  York,  in  which  I  was  guarded 
to  Staten  Island,,  to-  Gen.  Campbelrs  quar- 
ters,, where  I  was  admitted  toeat  and  drink 
with  the  General,  and  several  other  of  the 
British  field  officers,,  and  treated  for  two  days 
in  a  polite  manner.  As  I  was  drinking  wine 
with  them  one  evening,  I  made  an  observa* 
tion  on  my  transition  from  the  provost-crim- 
inals to  the*  company  of  gentlemen ;  adding, 
that  I  wras  the  same  man  still,  and  shonm 
give  the  British  credit  by  hinr,  (speaking  to 
the  General)  fi^r  two  days  good  usage; 

**The  next  day  Col.  Archibald  Campbell, 
who  vras  exchanged  for  me,  came  to  this 
place,  conducted  by  Mr.  Boudinot,  the  then 
American  commissary  of  prisoners,  and  sa- 
luted me  in  a  handsome  manner,  saying  that 
he  never  was  more  glad  to  see  any  gentle- 
man in  his  life;  and  I  gave  him  to  understands 
that  I  was  equally  glad  to  see  him,  and  was 

17  » 


I  • 


1 


4  t 


I 


Si- 


w 


fel 


197 


MEMOIR  OF 


Ilk 


apprehensive  that  it  was  fj^om  the  same  mo- 
tive.  The  gentleman  present  laughed  at  the 
fancy,  and  conjectured  that  sweet  liberty 
was  the  foundation  of  our  gladness  ;  so  we 
4ook  a  glass  of  wine  together,  and  then  I 
was  accompanied  by  Gen.  Campbell,  Col. 
Campbell,  Mr.  Boudinot,  and  a  number  of 
British  officers,  to  the  boat,  which  was  rea- 
dy to  sail  to  Elizabethtown  Point.  Mean 
i  while  I  entertained  them  with  a  rehearsal  of 
sthe  crueUies  exercised  towards  our  prison- 
ers ;  and  assured  them  that  I  should  use  my 
influence,  that  their  prisoners  should  be  treat- 
ed in  future  in  the  same  manner,  as  they 
should,  in  future,  treat  ours  ;  that  I  thought 
it  was  right,  in  such  extreme  cases,  that 
their  example  should  be  applied  to  their  own 
prisoners ;  then  exchanged  the  decent  cere- 
monies of  compHment,  and  parted.  I  sailed 
to  the  point  aforesaid,  and,  in  a  transport  of 
joy,  landed  on  liberty  ground,  and,  eL^  I  ad- 
vanced into  the  country,  received  the  accla- 
mations of  a  grateful  people. 

"I  soon  fell  into  company  with  Col.  Shel- 
den,  of  the  light  horse,  who  in  a  polite  and 
obliging  manner  accompanied  me  to  head- 
quarters. Valley  Forge,  where  I  was  courte- 
ously received  by  Gen.  Washington,  with  pe- 
culiar marks  of  approbation  and  esteem,  and 
^  .was  introduced  to  most  of  the  Generals,  and 
many  of  the  principal  officers  of  the  army^ 
who  treated  me  with  respect,  and  after  har- 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


198 


ing  offered  Gen.  Washington  my  farther  ser- 
vices, in  hehalf  of  my  country,  as  soon  as  my 
health,  which  was  very  much  impaired,  would 
admit,  and  obtain  his  licence  to  return  home, 
I  took  my  leave  of  his  Excellency,  and  set 
out  from  Valley  Forge,  with  Gen.  Gates  and 
his  suit  for  Fish  Kill,  where  we  arrived  the 
latter  end  of  May.  In  this  tour,  the  Gener- 
al was  pleased  to  treat  me  with  the  familiari- 
ty af  a  companion,  and  generosity  of  a  lord, 
and  to  him  I  made  known  some  striking  cir- 
cumstances which  occurred  in  the  course  of 
my  captivity. — I  then  bid  farewell  to  my  no- 
ble General,  and  the  gentleman  of  his  reti- 
nue, and  set  out  for  Bennington,  the  capital 
of  the  Green  Mountain  Boys,  where  I  arriv- 
ed the  evening  of  the  last  day  of  May,  to 
their  great  surprise  ;  for  I  was,  to  them,  as 
one  rose  from  the  dead,  and  now  both  their 
joy  and  mine  was  complete.  Three  cannon 
were  fired  that  evening,  and  next  morning, 
Col.  Herrick  gave  orders,  and  fourteen  more 
were  discharged,  welcoming  me  to  Benning- 
ton, my  usual  place  of  abode ;  thirteen  for 
the  United  States,  and  one  for  young  Ver- 
mont." 


Having  completed  the  history  of  the  events 
connected  with  the  captivity  of  Col.  Allen, 
we  now  resume  our  account  of  the  Contro- 
versy between  the  settlers  on  the  New  Hamp- 


i. 


i- 


)  ,.    .' 


II 


199 


MEMOIR  OF 


,  -v ' 


i'»i*. 


IM- 


.i! 


p.! 


m 


r 


n: 


Iff 


shire  Grants  and  the  authorities  of  Neir 
York. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  Grants,  were,  at 
the  period  of  which  we  now  speak,  (t77d) 
without  an  J  settled  form  of  government  or 
bond  of  Union.  Common  interest  had,  thiKr  &r, 
kept  them  together,  and  given  energy  and 
unanimity  to  their  proceedingsw  The  partial 
relief  experienced,  however,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  war,  from>  the  oppression 
of  New  York,  served  to  convince  them  of 
the  weakness  of  their  political  ties,  and  of 
t^e  necessity  of  a  better  internal  organiza* 
tion.  Accordingly  at  the  close  of  the  year 
1775,  a  number  of  influential  individuals  re^ 
paired  to  Philadelphia,  where  the  American 
Congress  was  then  in  sression,  with  the  intent 
to  procure  the  advice  of  that  body,  relative 
to  the  best  policy  to  be  pursued,  under  the 
existing  circumstances  of  the  case»  No  for- 
mal measures  were  adopted  by  Congress,  in 
relation  to  the  subject ;  but,  upon  the  return 
of  the  gentlemen,  a  large  number  c^  circu- 
lars, setting  forth  the  opinions  of  several  in- 
fluential members  of  Congress,  in  favor  of  a 
temporary  association,  under  proper  regula- 
tions, were  distributed  among  the  people. 

In  pursuance  of  these  recommendations,  a 
Convention  of  Delegates  &om  the  several 
towns,  was  assembled  at  Dorset,  on  the  1 6th 
of  January,  1776  : — ^A  petition  was  forward- 
ed to^  Congress,  in  which  a  brief  sketch  of 


'  : 


COL.  ETHAK  ALLEN. 


200 


;U' 


fl' 


the  Controversy  wit?'  New  York  was  given, 
and  their  willingtiic  avowed  to  bear  their 
full  proportion  of  Uie  burden  arising  from 
the  war.  They,  also,  avowed  their  unwil- 
lingness to  be  considered,  in  any  manner,  sub- 
ject to  the  authority  or  jurisdiction  of  New 
York.  The  Committee  of  Congress,  to 
whom  the  petition  was  referred,  reported 
that  it  be  recommended  to  the  petitioners  to 
submit,  for  the  present,  to  the  Government  of 
New  York,  and  assist  their  countrymen  in 
the  contest  with  Great  Britain ;  declaring 
that  such  submission  ought  not  to  prejudice 
their  right  to  any  land  in  controversy,  or  be 
construed  to  admit  the  jurisdiction  of  New 
York  over  the  country,  when  the  troubles 
should  be  ended.  This  petition,  being  con- 
sidered unfavorable  to  the  Grants,  by  the 
Agent  who  presented  it  to  Congress,  was  with- 
drawn before  it  received  the  final  action  of 
that  body. 

On  the  4th  of  July,  follow inor  the  presenta- 
tion of  the  petition.  Congress  published  to 
the  world,  our  memorable  Declaration  of  In- 
dependence. This  placed  the  people  of  Ver- 
mont in  a  situation  more  difficult  and  em- 
barrassing than  they  were  before ;  and  much 
speculation  was  afloat  in  regard  to  the 
course  to  be  pursued.  It  was  urged  by  some, 
that  the  settlers  should  immediately  place 
themselves  under  the  jurisdictior.  of  New 
Hampshire — by  others,  that  they  should  sub- 


201 


MEMOIR   OP 


■■,♦' 


■f 


if- 


n\ 


H   ;ir 


mit  to  the  authority  of  New-York.  The 
more  resolute  and  ii^^ntial,  were,  however, 
for  assuming  the  powers  (^government,  and 
hazarding  the  consequences.  'Fhat  the  dif- 
ficulty might  be  amicably  settled,  the  people 
assembled  i:n  Convention  at  Dorset,  on  the 
24th  of  July,  1776.  An  a^sociaiion  was 
agreed  upon  for  the  defence  of  the  country's 
liberties;  and  a  resolixtion  was  adopted^  that 
they  would  not  associate  with,  o^  submit  to, 
the  provincial  government  of  New  York. — 
The  Convention  met  again,  by  adjournment, 
on  the  2'5th  of  September,,  and  resolved  unan- 
imously, "to  take  suitable  measures,  as  soon 
as  may  be,  to  declare  the  New  Hampshire 
Grants  a  free  and  separate  District  ^^  And, 
on  the  15th  of  January  following,  at  the  third 
session  of  the  Convention,  it  was  declared, 
that  "this  Cooventiony  whose  members  are 
duly  chosen  by  the  free  voice  of  their  constit- 
uents, in  the  several  tawns  on  the  New  Hamp- 
shire Grants,  in  our  own  name^,  and  in  be- 
half of  our  constituents,  do  hereby  proclaim 
and  publicly  declare,  that  the  cKstrictof  ter- 
ritory comprehending,  and  usually  known  by 
the  name  and  description  of  the  New  Hamp- 
shire Grants,  of  right  ought  to  be,  and  is 
hereby  declared  ever  after  to  be,  a  tree  and 
independent  jurisdiction,  or  State :  to  be 
hereafter  called,  known  and  distinguished 
by  the  name  of  New  Connecticut,  or  Ver- 
mont/'   This  declaration  was  unanimously 


•a^>. 


•  f 


# 


The 
>wever» 
nt,  and 
the  dif- 
people 
on  the 
m  was 
)iiiitTy'8 
ed,  that 
bmit  to, 

rnment, 
3d  unan- 
as  soon 
mpshire 
'^    And, 
the  third 
eelared, 
hers  are 
constit- 
Hamp- 
id  in  be- 
roclaim 
tof  ter- 
[Own  by 
Hamp- 
j  and  is 
Itree  and 
to  be 
guished 
or  Ver- 
limously 


roL.  ETHAir  Ai.Leir« 


202 


adopted  by  the  Convention;  and  a  petition 
forwarded  to  Congress,  in  which  th^  an* 
nounpedthat  they  had  declared  the  territory, 
known  astthe  "^ew  Hampshire  Grants,  a  free 
and  independent  State  ;  and  closed  by  pray- 
ing that  they  might  be  acknoiKdcdged  by 
Congress^  and  that  delegates,  from  'Vermont, 
might  be  admitted  to  seats  in  that  body. 

These  measures.were  variously  regarded 
by  the  neighboring  States.   New  Hampshire, 
Massachusetts,  and  Connecticut,  were  wil- 
ling that  Vermont  should  become  a  member 
of  thexonfederacy  ;  but  New  York  regard- 
ed the  request  as  treason  and  rebellion  to  her 
authority.    Jn  this  state  .of  things,  commu- 
nications, emanatingifrom  two  different  Con- 
ventions of  the  people  of  New  York,  were 
addressed  to  Congress,4n  whicii  the  proceed- 
ings af  Vermont  were  represented  as  result- 
ing from  the  acts  and  instigations  of  design- 
ing men  ;  ,and  not  from  a  desire  of  the  in- 
habitants to  renounce  their  aUegiance  to  the 
authority  of  New  York. 

After  the  adoption  of  ivarious  measures,  by 
both  Vermont  and  New  York,  Congress,  at 
last,  took  up  the  matter^  and  the  communi- 
cations of  both  parties  were  referred  to  a 
committee  of  the  wliole^;  which  committee, 
among  other  things,  resolved,  "That  Con- 
gress would  not  recommend  or  countenance 
any  thing  injurious  to  the  rights  and  juris- 
diction of  the  several  communities  herein 


r 


I   lei    I 


<r 


•f!  V. 


J  f 


^i 


■"«! 


«-■ 


203 


MEMOIR  OF 


'  'I 


!  I    f 


.4ii 


m 


represented.''  *^That.  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Nev\r  Hampshire  Grants  cannot  be  justified 
in  their  declaration  of  Independence,  by  the 
example  of  the  United  Colonies,  nor  by  any 
act  or  resolution  of  Congress."    "That  the 

Eetition  of  Vermont,  to  be  recognized  as  an 
idependent  State,  and  to  have  her  delegates 
.admitted  to  seats  in  Congress,  be  dismissed." 
While  these  important  matters  Were  trans- 
actia^in  Congress,  the  pebple  of  Vermont 
were  engaged  in  forming  a  Constitution  for 
the  regulation  of  their  civil  government.  A 
Convention,  composed  of  the  same  delegates 
which  declared  the  Independence  of  Ver\- 
mont,  met  at  Windsor,  on  the  first  Wednes- 
day in  June,  and  appointed  a  committee  to 
make  a  draft  of  a  State  Constitution.  A  res- 
olution was,  also,  adopted,  recommending  to 
each  town  to  elect  delegates  to  meet  in 
Convention,  at  Windsor,  on  the  second  day 
of  June,  following,  for  the  purpose  of  dis- 
cussing and  adopting  said  Constitution.  The 
Convention  met;  and  a  Constitution, afl;er a 
iong  and  serious  discussion,  was  read  and 
adopted.  It  was,  however,  revised  at  a  sub- 
sequent Convention,  which  met  at  Windsor ; 
and  the  first  election  took  place  under  it,  on 
the  first  Tuesday  of  March,  1778. 

The  determination  of  Vermont  to  main- 
tain her  independence,  at  all  hazards,  evi- 
dently contributed  to  effect  an  alteration  in 
the  policy  of  New  York  :    On  the  23d  of 


^:.>r 


of  the 
[Stified 
by  the 
)y  any 
lat  the 
1  as  an 
legates 
issed." 
J  trans- 
ermont 
ion  for 
mt.    A 
legates 
of  VeiV 
^ednes- 
littee  to 

A  res- 
iding to 

eet  in 
>nd  day 

of  dis- 
|n.  The 

after  a 
lad  and 

a  sub- 
lindsor ; 

ir  it,  on 


i>' 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


204 


February,  1778,  Gov.  Clinton  issued  a  Proc- 
lamation, in  which  he  confirmed  the  titles  of 
the  settlers  to  their  lands,  in  certain  cases, 
and  made  several  concessions,  in  their  favor ; 
but  the  right  of  New  York,  to  extend  her 
jurisdiction  over  the  Grants,  was  not  relin- 
quished :  The  people  were  commanded,  "at 
their  perU  to  yield  obedience  and  allegiance" 
to  New  YorK,  and,  in  all  respects,  to  govern 
themselves  as  peaceable  and  quiet  citizens. 
To  this  Proclamation,  Ethan  Allen,  ever 
on  the  ulert  to  detect  political  cunning,  and 
willing  to  expose  it,  pubhshed  the  following 
answer  : 

"This  Proclamation,"  says  Col.  Allon,  "af- 
ter mentioning  a  disaffection  of  miiny  per- 
sons, inhabiting  the  north  east  parts  of  the 
county  of  jilbany^  and  certain  parts  of  the 
counties  of  Charlotte^  Cumberland  and  Glbxi- 
tester^  proceeds  to  affirm  that  these  tracts  of 
country  were  clearly  included  within  the  an- 
cient, original,  true,  and  lately  established 
bounds  of  the  state  of  JVeiv  York, 

That  many,  nay,  almost  the  whole  of  the 
inhabitants  in  those  counties,  alias^  the  state 
of  Vermont^  are  disaftected  to  the  govern- 
ment of  JVct<?  York^  will  not  be  disputed.  This 
is  a  fact.  But  it  is  not  a  fact,  that  the  an- 
cient, original,  and  true  bounds  ofJVew  York^ 
included  those  lands.  The  first  intimation 
that  ever  saluted  the  ears  of  the  public,  as- 
serting this  doctrine,  was,  from  a  Proclama^ 

18 


i 


^i 


'^i'H 


•• 


I 


I 


l: 


I. 


'  M 


'I* 


205 


MEMOIR  or 


i 


If  liv 


1... 


tion  of  Gov.  Tryon^  dated  the  1 1th  day  pf 
Dw&nUr^  J77i,^which  begins  thus :  ** Where- 
as^ it  is  the  ancient  c^id  incontestible  right 
of  this  colony,  to  extend  to  Connec/tW  river, 
as  its  eastern  boundary.^'  This. assertion 
hath  been. answered,  at  large,  in  my  treatise 
on  the  conduct, of  this  government,  towards 
the  JVcw;jt/a7Wj>^f re  settlers;  to  which  I  refer 
the  reader,  and  at  present  observe,  that  as 
the  quoted  assertions  jn  these  Procjama- 
tions,  are  wholly  without  foundatipjni,  they 
need  only  to  be  as  positively  denied  .as  they 
ju-e  asserted.  The  fact  is,  that  the  t^act  of 
land,  which  now  comprehends  the  state  of 
VermmU  ^vas,  universally,  .Iqiown  to  .be, in 
the  government  of  J^ew  Hampshire.  Thus 
it  was  placed  by  all  Geographers,  in  thejr 
maps,  'till  the  year  1764,  when  the  noy^  Eng- 
lish King,  for -certain  political  reasons,  which 
I  shall  mention,  extended  th^  jurisdiction  of 
JS^cw  York  over  the  premises,  by  his  special 
royal  authority.  At  the  time  of  the  altera- 
tion of  this  jurisdiction,  jealousies  had  fired 
the  minds  of  King  and  j^arliament;  against 
the  growth  and  rising  po;ver  oiJlmerica^  and 
at  this  time,  they  began  to  adyance.men  and 
governments  into  power,  with  a  political  de- 
sign  to  cEu^h  the  liberties  of  America,  JVew 
York  had  ever  been  their  favorite  govern- 
ment. They  could  almost  vie  with  Great 
Britain  in  the  art  of  vassalagjng  common 
people,  and  in  erasing  every  idea  of  hberty 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEX. 


206 


from  tlie  human  mind,  by  making  and  keep- 
ing them  poof  and  servile.  This,  Great  Brit- 
ain well  knew,  and  therefore  fleeced  a  large 
territory  from  JVew  Hampshire^  and  arfded  it 
to  New  York^  to  depress  the  power  of  the 
one,  and  enlarge  and  extend  the  other.  A 
well  concerted  plan  :  but  the  green  mountain 
boys  disconcerted  it,  by  throwing  their  weight 
into  the  scale  of  Congress,  which,  thank 
God,  has  fairly  preponderated.  Thus  may 
be  seen  the  design,  as  well  as  date,  of  the 
original,  ancient  and  true  bounds  of  the  state 
of  J{ew  YbrAr,  being  extended  over  the  state 
of  Vermont ;  and  for  the  samfe  reason,  it  was 
thus  extended  by  Great  Britairii  it  will  un- 
doubtedly be  curtailed  by  Congress. 

As  to  the  acts  of  outlawry,  mentioned  in 
the  Proclamation,  the^y  died  a  natural  death, 
the  first  day  oi  January^  1776,  as  may  be  seen 
from  the  act  itself,  here  quoted  :  "And  be  it 
further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  this  act  shall  remain  and  continue  in  full 
force  and  effect,  from  the  passing  thereof, 
until  the  first  day  of  January^  which  will  be 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  seventy  six." 

The  subjects  of  the  state  of  Vermont^  were 
under  no  apprehensions  from  these  old  life- 
less acts.  Nor  do  I  conceive,  that  the  pres- 
ent legislature  of  the  state  of  J^ew  York  have 
laid  them  under  any  obligation,  in  granting 
them  a  pardon.    It  was  a  matter  which  for- 


ii    'W 


1i 


I!.. 


■1' 


M. 


u 


''w'l'  K 


if 


.;'t 


1  I  l<-C<' 


!     i  »i 


t 


ih 


; 


'.M 


I'f  '■. 


207 


MEMOIR   OP 


..  'I 


merly  respected  Gov.  Tryon^  the  old  legisla- 
ture of  Jxew  Yorky  and  the  green  niouniain 
boys ;  and  the  party  last  mentioned,  choose 
to  settle  that  old  quarrel  with  Mr.  Tryon  ; 
and  resent  it,  that  the  legislature  of  the  state 
of  New  York  have  so  late  in  the  day,  under- 
took to  give  an  ^'unconditional  discharge 
and  remission  of  all  penalties  and  forfeitures 
incurred,"  under  any  act  which  had  been 
long  dead ;  and  which,  when  alive,  served 
only  to  discover  to  the  world,  the  wickedness 
and  depravity  of  that  legislative  body  which 
enacted  them.  In  the  lifetime  of  this  act,  I 
was  called  by  the  Yorkers^  an  outlaw,  and  af- 
terwards, by  the  Biitish^was  called  a  rebel ; 
and  I  humbly  conceive,  that  there  was  as 
much  propriety  in  the  one  name  as  the  other; 
and  I  verily  believe,  that  the  King's  commis- 
sioners would  now  be  as  willing  to  pardon  me 
for  the  sin  of  rebellion,  provided  I  would,  af- 
terwards, be  subject  to  Britain,  as  the  legis- 
lature above  mentioned,  provided  I  would  be 
subject  to  JVew  York ;  and,  I  must  confess,  I 
had  as  lief  be  a  subject  to  the  one  as  the  oth- 
and,  it  is  well  known,  I  have  had  great 


er 


^i-'v 


experience  in  them  both. 

Next,  I  propose  to  consider  that  part  of 
the  Proclamation,  called  overtures,  which 
are  contained  in  the  three  first  articles.  Ar- 
ticle 1st.  "That  all  persons,  actually  pos- 
sessing and  improving  lands,  by  title  under 
grants  from  New  Hampshire  or  Massachusetts 


.»i*: 


.»! 


COL.   BTHAH   ALLC!f. 


208 


|f 


legisla- 
umntain 
choose 

Tryon ; 
he  Btate 
,  under- 
scharge 
•feitures 
ad  been 
,  served 
kedness 
^  which 
lis  act,  I 
,  and  af- 
a  rebel ; 
I  was  as 
le  other; 
icommis- 
rdon  me 
ould,  af- 
he  legis- 
vould  be 
onfess,  I 
the  oth- 
ad  great 


Aoy,  and  not  granted  under  New  York^ 
shall  be  confirmed  in  their  respective  pos- 
seftsions.** 

This  article  cannot  be  considered  of  any 
material  consequence,  inasmuch  as,  among 
almost  the  whole  possessions  referred  to  in 
the  article,  there  are  but  very  few,  if  any,  but 
what  are  covered  with  New  York  grants. 

The  second  article  is  as  follows :  ^^That 
all  persons  possessing  and  improving  lands, 
not  granted  by  either  of  the  three  govern- 
ments, shall  be  confirmed  in  their  respective 
possessions,  together  with  such  additional 
quantity  of  vacant  land,  lying  contiguous  to 
each  respective  possession,  as  may  be  ne- 
cessary to  form  tne  same  into  a  convenient 
farm,  so  as  the  quantity  of  land  to  be  confirm- 
ed to  each  respective  possession,  shall  not 
ekceed  three  hundred  acres." 

Neither  of  these  two  first  articles,  called 
overtures,  afiect  the  controversy,  except  in 
some  very  few  instances ;  inasmuch  as  all, 
or  in  a  manner,  all  the  possessions  spoken  of,  • 
were  first  granted  by  New  Hampshire^  except 
some  few  which  were  granted  by  Massachu' 
Hits  Bay  I  and  then,  kstly,  almost  the  whole 
of  those  possessions  were  re-granted  hyNew 
York,  This  being  the  case,  what  has  been 
lutherto  proposed,  dpes  not  reach  the  es- 
sence of  the  controversy,  as  the  New  York-^ 
4F»  very  well  know ;  besides,  it  is  not  in  the 
power  of  the  government  to  confirm  any  of 

18* 


i'i 


!!!' 


I- 


209 


MEMOIR   or 


.  I 


^■U: 


I  H 


'ijll'  , 


those  possessions,  which  have  been  already 
granted,  and  therefore  become  the  property 
of  the  grantees,  as  will  be  more  fully  discuss* 
cd  in  its  proper  place.  I  proceed  to  the  tliird 
article  or  the  much  boasted  overtures. 

^^That  where  lands,  have  been  heretofore 
granted  by  J^eto  Hampshire  and  Massachusetts 
BaUf  or  either  of  them,  and  actually  possess- 
ed m  consequence  thereof,  and  being  ^o  pos- 
sessed, viere  afterwards  granted  by  JSIetu 
York  ;  such  possession  shall  be  confirmed, — 
the  posterior  grant  under  JVew  York,  notwith- 
standing/* 

Though  it  is  absolutely  out  of  the  power 
of  the  said  legislative  authority,  to  confirm^ 
the  possessions  mentioned  ;  yet,  to  discover 
their  want  of  generosity  in  their  proposal,  I 
shall,  in  the  first  place,  consider  what  a  tri- 
fling proportion  of  those  possessions  could 
be  confirmed  upon  their  own  stating,  inas- 
much as  the  confirming  clause  in  the  article, 
only  confirms  the  possessor,  who  being  so 
possessed  at  the  time  that  the  JVew  York 
grant  was  laid ;  and  has  no  respect  to  any 
additional  possession  carried  on  afler  the 
grant  took  place.  The  identical  words  are, 
^^And  being  so  possessed,  were  afterwards 
granted  by  JVew  York  ;"  viz.  After  such 
possession  was  actually  made,  and  the  pos- 
sessor being  so  in  possession,  at  the  time 
the  grant  took  place,  such  possession  shall 


\  ■• 


COL.   BTHAIf   ALLEfT. 


210 


bo  confirmed ;  but  any  later  possession  can- 
not be  included  in  the  condition  of  ^^being  so 
possessed  ;^  for,  a  later  possession  was  no 
possession  at  all,  at  the  time  tiio  condition 
of  possession  took  place;  am^  consequently, 
every  possession  which  has  been  begun  m 
the  state  of  Varmont^  since  the  lands  were 
granted  by  JVeu;  York^  must  be  lost  to  the 
possessor,  and  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  JSI'ew 
York  grantees,  with  all  other  uncultivated 
lands  in  the  state  ;  and  all  our  purchases  of 
those  lands  from  JVew  Hampshire  and  Massa^ 
chmetts  Bay^  fall  to  the  ground,  together  with 
our  possessions,  which  have  been  increased 
an  hundred  fold. 

These  overtures  have  hitherto  been  con- 
sidered only  in  a  grammatical  and  logical 
sense,  allowing  them  their  own  construction. 
I  now  proceed  to  consider  them  in  a  law 
sense.  A  legislative  authority,  within  its 
own  jurisdiction,  may  confirm  a  possession 
on  vacant  land,  by  making  a  grant  of  the 
same  to  the  possessor.  But,  for  the  legisla- 
tive authority  of  the  state  of  J^ew  York^  to 
pretend,  as  they  do  in  their  Proclamation,  to 
vacate  any  grants  made  by  their  own  author- 
ity, in  favor  of  any  possession,  and  to  con- 
firm such  possessions,  by  nullifying  and  de- 
feating their  own  grants,  is  the  neight  of 
folly  and  stupidity :  for,  the  lands  being  once 
granted,  the  property  passeth  to  the  grantee; 


(i- 


I 


*\\ 


\: 


* 


i' 


I  ».i 


»  >  • 

■  i 


!** 


.■•  ,! 


\    ,  •:; 


'il'' 


I  I 


'     .  \ 


■u;  * 

It '  • 


I 


5;    Jl'  ^ll 


11 


If  i<   '   "*i 


1 

I,  ■  I 


%' 


ij.t* 


l^^r 


211 


MEMOIR  OF 


who  is  become  the  sole  proprietor  of  the 
and  he  is  as  independent  of  that  le- 


same 


gislative  authority,  which  granted  it,  as  any 
person  may  be  supposed  to  be,  who  purohas- 
eth  a  farm  of  land  of  me  by  deed  of  convey- 
ance :  and  it  is  as  much  oat  of  the  power  of 
that  legislature  to  vacate  a  grant  made  by 
them,  or  the  same  authority,  in  favor  of  any 
possessor,  as  it  is  out  of  my  power  to  vacate 
my  deed  of  conveyance  in  favor  of  some  se- 
cond person.  It  is  contrary  to  common  sense 
to  suppose,  that  the  property  of  the  subject 
is  at  the  arbitrary  disposal  of  the  legislature  r 
if  it  was,  they  might  give  a  grant  to  day,  and 
vacate  it  to  morrow,  and  so  on,  ad  infinitum. 
This  would  destroy  the  very  nature  and  ex- 
istence of  personal  property^  as  the  whole 
would  depend  on  the  sovereign  will  and  last 
act  of  the  legislature.  But  the  truth  of  the 
matter  is,  the  first  conveyance  will,  and  ought 
to  hold  good ;  and  this  defeata  all  subse- 
quent conveyances. 

From  what  has  been  said  on  this  subject, 
it  appears,  that  the  overtures  in  the  Procla- 
mation set  forth,  are  either  romantic,  or  cal- 
culated to  deceive  woods  people,  who,  in 
general,  may  not  be  supposed  to  understand 
law,  or  the  power  of  a  legislative  authority. 

I  have  further  to  evince  my  arguments  on 
tiiis  subject,  by  the  concurring  opinion  of  the 
Lords  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  on  complaint 


h  n 


COL.  ET»AN   ACLEtr*- 


212 


made  to  them  from  those  very  persons,  pos- 
sessing the  land  we  are  speaking  of.  That 
clause  of  their  report  which  is  similar  to 
what  I  have  argued,  is  in  these  words : — 
"Such  subsequent  grants  made  by  the  gov- 
ernment of  New  York^  however  unwarranta- 
ble, cannot  be  set  aside  by  any  authority 
from  his  Majesty,  in  case  the  grantees  shall 
insist  on  their  title." 

Thus  it  appears,  in  a  trial  (of  the  same 
case  we  are  treating  of)  before  the  board  of 
trade,  that  the  King,  under  whose  authority 
the  government  of  New  York  had,  in  an  op- 
pressive manner,  granted  those  very  lands, 
cotild  not,  by  his  royal  authority,  vacate  or 
set  aside  the  grants  :  yet,  the  present  legis- 
lative authority  of  the  state  of  New  York^ 
proclaim  to  the  world,  and  pledge  the  faith  of 
government,  that  t  hey  will  do  it.  But  enough 
has  been  said  on  the  impossibility  of  it,  as 
well  as  on  the  ungenerousness  of  the  propo- 
sal :  and  as  to  the  quit-rents,  the  general  as- 
sembly of  the  state  of  Vermont^  will  deter- 
mine their  expediency,  and  probably  release 
them  all. 

What  has  been  observed,  answers  every 
part  of  the  Proclamation  worth  notice,  as 
the  five  last  articles  had  an  entire  reference 
to  the  three  first ;  though  it  may  be  worth 
observing,  that  the  time  of  compliance  with 
those  overtures  are  run  out ;  and  it  is  my 


III 


:n 


s' '  ,, 


%l 


'if 


r- 


|ii; 


■  . 


■  i 


*    « 


w 


:213 


MEBrom  or 


!  V 


I 


c^inion',  that  kit  few  df  the'  st^&j^cts  of  ike- 
state  of  Vermont  have  closed  with  them.— 
The  main  indacement  I  had  in  atisweriHg 
them,  was,  to  draw  ^  fdl  and  convincing 
proof  from  the  samev  that  the  shortest,  best, 
and  most  eligible^  1  had  almost  said,  the  on- 
ly possible,  way  of  vacating  those  JYew  York 
interfering  grants,  is,  to  maintain  inviolable 
the  supremacy  of  the  legislative  authority  of 
the  independent  state  of  Vermont.  This,  at 
one  stroke,  overturns^  every  JSfew  York 
scheme,  which  may  be  calculated  for  our 
ruin;  makes  us  free  men,  confirms  our  prop- 
erty, "and  puts  it  faitly  in  our  pow6r  to  h0lp 
ourselves"  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  great 
.blessings  of  a  free, uncorrupted  and  virtuous 
civil  governments 

Bennington^  August  9, 177  8."^ 

The  declaration  of  their  independence,  By 
-the  people  of  Vermont,  gave  occasion  to 
numerous  new  difficuhies.  No  sooner  had 
she  organized  a  government,  than  the  inhab- 
itants of  sixteen  towns,  bordering  on  Con- 
necticut river,  in  New  Hampshire,  manifest- 
ed a  disposition  to  dissolve  their  connexion 
with  that  StatCf  and  unite  with  Vermont.  In 
justification  of  the  separation,  it  wias  contend- 
ed "that  all  the  lands.  West  of  the  Mason 
line,  being  royal  grants,  had  he^en  held  in 
subjection  to  the  government  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, by  force  of  the  royal   commissions, 


t,"-  -  .1* 


f 


i    '^^ 


-COL.   ETHAN   ALLEir« 


214 


"which  were  vacated  by.tivB  .assumed  inde- 
pendence of  the  American  Colonies,  and, 
therefore,  the  inhabitants  of  those  grants  had 
reverted  to  a  state  .of  nature^,''  and  were  at 
liberty  to  form  whatever  politicfil  connexion 
they  thought  proper.  In  pursuance  of  this 
determination,  they  presented  a  petition  to 
the  Legislature  of  Vermont,  on  the  12th  of 
March,  1778,  praying  for  admission  into  its 
union.  This  application  greatly  embarrass- 
<ed  the  Legislature  :  bnt,  at  its  June  session, 
it  was  voted  that  tiie  union  take  place  :  thir- 
ty-seven being  in  .the ,  altii^aiative,  and  twelve 
in  the  negative. 

The  government  of  I'Jew  Hampshire  was 
justly  incensed  at  these  proceedings.  Mr. 
Ware,  President,  of  the  Council  of  that  State, 
addressed  a  letter  to  Congress,  on  the  i9th 
of  August,  to  procure  advice  in  relation  to 
the  subject :  and  on  the  22d  of  August,  in 
the  name  of  the  General  Assembly,  he  wrote 
to  Governor  Chittenden,  of  Vermont,  claim- 
ing the  sixteen  towns,  as  a  part  of  New 
Hampshire.  On  the  reception  of  this  com- 
mimication.  Governor  Chittenden  convened 
the  Council,  and  it  was  agreed  that  Colo- 
nel Ethan  Allen  should  proceed  to  Phila- 
delphia, and  learn  in  what  light  the  pro- 
ceedings of  Vermont  were  regarded  by 
Congress.  On  his  return,  he  made  the  fol- 
lowing report  : 


I' 


i! 


1 1 ' 

V 


I 


% 


m 


r 


I 

I 


14 


rm 


.  <  H.' 


.-?». 


'4 


I 


I,.;. 

■    i'  ', 


M 


I , 


':.l 


H 


M  i 


i' 

I  r 


[• 


4      Mi  I  ' 


V:i 


;2ad 


MEMOIR  or 


***To  hi8  Excellency  The  Governor,  the  Hon- 
ourable the  Council,  and  to  the  Represent- 
;atives  of  the  freemen  of  the  State  of  Ver- 
anont,  in  General  Assembly  met.*   « 
•iGentlemen, 

The  subscriber  heretQ,begsJeaye  tomake 
the  following  report,  viz. 

By  the  desire  of  his  Excellency,  and  at  the 
request  of  several  lof  the  members  of  the  hon- 
ourable the  Council,  to  me  made  in  Septem- 
ber last,  I  have  taken  a  journey  to  Philadel- 
phia, in  order  to  gain  knowledge  how  tJie 
political  situation  of  the  State  of  Vermont 
stood,  in  the  view  of  Congress;  which  J 
licre  exhibit.  ' 

On  the  16th  day  of  September  last,  I  am 
informed  by  members  of  Congress,  that  ,the 
delegates  from  the  State  of  New  Hampshire 
exhibited  to  Congress,  a  remonstrance, 
(which  they  had,  previoudy,  received  from 
the  council  and  assembW  of  said  state) 
against  the  proceedings  of  the  state  of  Ver- 
mont, with  respect  to  their  taking  into  liinion 
a  number  of  towns,  on  the  east  side  of  Con- 
necticut river,  and  in  their  inviting  ,other 
towns  to  revolt  from  New  Hampshire  ;  a  co- 
py of  which  I,  herewith,  exhibit :  a  matter 
which,  they  aUedge,  was  incompatible  with 

*  At  this  session  of  the  Legislature,  representa- 
tives from  ten  of  t1ie  sixteen  towns  on  (he  east  side 
of  Connecticut  river,  took  their  seats  iu  the  Gene- 
lal  Assembly. 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


217 


he  Hon* 
prescnt- 
I  ofVer- 


,to  make 

idiatthe 
the  hoD' 
SepteiH' 
Philadel- 

how  tlMJ 

Vermont 
>vhkhJ 

igt,  I  am 
that  the 
ampshire 
nstrance, 
ved  fcoin 
state) 
of  Ver- 
ito  umon 
5  of  Oon- 
ng  .other 
:e  ;  a  co- 
a  matter 
sble  with 

lepresenta- 
east  side 
the  Gene- 


the  right  of  New  Hampshire,  and  an  infringe- 
ment on  the  confederacy  of  the  United  States 
of  America ;  and,  therefore,  desired  the  con- 
gress to  take  the  matter  under  consideration, 
and  grant  some  order  thereon,  to  prevent  the 
effusion  of  blood,  and  the  confusion  and  dis- 
orders which  would,  otherwise,  inevitably  en- 
sue. 

The  delegates  from  New  York,  at  the  same 
time,  exhibited  to  congress  sundry  paper?, 
containing  allegations  against  the  State  of 
Vermont,  which,  after  some  altercations, 
were  admitted ;  and  it  was  agreed  that  the 
f<ame,  together  with  the  remonstrance  from 
the  state  of  New  Hampshire,  should  be  tak- 
en under  consideration,  on  the  afternoon  of 
the  i8th,by  a  committee  of  the  whole  house : 
at  which  time  it  was  moved  to  be  brought 
forward,  but  urgent  business  occasioned  its 
being  deferred  to  the  19th  ;  at  which  time  I 
arrived  at  Philadelphia,  and  being,  immedi- 
ately, informed  of  the  business  by  some  of 
the  members  of  congress,  I  used  my  influence 
against  its  being  hastily  determined  ex  parte; 
and  particularly  objected  to  the  complaints 
from  the  States  of  New  Hampshire  and  New 
York,  their  being  both  considered  at  the 
same  time,  alledging  that  they  were  of  a  ve- 
ry different  nature.  And,  in  consequence  of 
this,  together  with  my  earnest  request  and 
application,  I  obtained  assurance  that  the 
matter  should  not  be  brought  to  a  decision, 

19 


4 


i. 


I 


'f 


i 


tl 


. ''  , 


■^'jtl 


;  ■« 


t 


)!: 


■  I  > 


r  t 

■;j!  ' 


f" 


i; 


11' ■• 


21B 


-iteBioiR  or 


before  I  could  have  an  opportumty  to  lay  the 
matter  before  this  people  ;  as  I  had,  previ- 
ously, let  tlie  members  of  congress  know, 
that  the  assembly  of  this  state  was  to  sit  at 
this  time ;  and  I  engaged  to  transmit  the 
proceedings  of  this  assembly  to  congress,  as 
soon  as  they  transpired,  at  their  request. 

The  allegations,  thrown  by  New  York,  re- 
ceived a  most  severe  shock  on  the  perusal 
of  my  late  pamphlet  in  answer  to  his  Excel- 
lency Governor  Clinton's  proclamation,  da- 
ted in  February  last,  containing  certain  over- 
tures to  the  inhabitants  of  this  state ;  as  well 
as  from  ray  largt  treatise  on  the  nature  apd 
merit  of  the  New  York  claim,  and  their  treat- 
ment to  the  inhabitants  of  this  now  State  of 
Vermont.  In  fine,  the  New  York  complaints 
will  never  prove  of  sufficient  force  in  con- 
gress, to  prevent  ihe  establishment  of  this 
st9.te;.  But,  from  what  I  have  heard  and  seen 
of  the  disapprobation,  at  congress,  of  the 
union  with  sundry  towns,  east  of  Connecticut 
Tiver,  I  am  sufiiciently  authorised  to  offer  it 
as  my  opinion,  that,  except  this  state  recede 
from  such  union,  immediately,  the  whole  pow- 
der of  t}ie  confederacy  of  the  United  States  of 
-America  will  join  to  annihilate  the  State  of 
-^Vermont,  and  to  vindicate  the  right  of  New 
yj^ampshire,  and  to  maintain,  inviolate,  the 
•^^;articles  .of  confederation,  which  guarantee 
to  each  State,  their  privileges  and  ^immiiiii- 
^ie^.     .  ;  „  \, ,  ^,^.     .,.■.-....,,.. 


COL.   ETIUir.  ALLEN. 


219 


Thus,  gentlemen^  I  hav«  given  yoa  a  short 
pepreseDtation  of  the  political  situation  of 
this  State,  as  it  now  stands  in  the  general 
congress  of  the  United  States  of  Araerica, 
upon  which  I  stake  my  honour. 

Given  ufidermy hand,  at  Windsor,  this  lOth 
day  of  October,  A.  D,  1778. 

ETHAN  ALLEN." 

The  discussion  of  the  question,  relative  to 
the  union  with  the  sixteen  towns  in  New 
Hampshire,  occupied  the  consideration  of 
the  Vermont  Legislature,  for  several  succes- 
sive sessions  ;  and  on  the  12th  of  February, 
1779,  it  was  voted  that  the  union  be  dissolv- 
ed. This  determination  was  immediately 
communicated  to  the  government  of  New 
Hampshire,  by  Ira  Allen,  and  the  Legislature 
of  that  State,  encouraged  by  the  concession 
of  Vermont,  and  by  the  divisions  existing  in 
many  of  her  frontier  towns,  now  resolved  to 
lay  claim,  not  only  to  the  sixteen  towns,  which 
had  united  with  Vermont,  but  to  the  whole 
territory,  as  grants,  originally  made  to  that 
Province.  Congress  was  applied  to  for  a 
confirmation  of  this  claim  ;  and,  at  the  same 
period,  New  York  made  a  similar  application 
to  the  same  body.  In  this  position  of  affairs, 
the  State  of  Massachusetts  interposed,  and 
laid  a  claim  to  a  portion  of  the  territory,  as 
within  her  jurisdiction  :  and  thus  was  Ver- 
mont subjected,  in  order  to  maintain  her  in- 
dependence, to  struggle  against  the  claims 


^ 


■f  ' 

I' 


f 


'i 


^r 


^'1;! 


i 


!M  kt 


1  < 


*vfi 


'p  [I 


i 


T 


J   i' 


::;•{ 


«  i 


•H^^iii 


■m 


220 


MEMOIR   OF 


of  these  adjoining  States,  without  the  coun- 
tenance of  the  Continental  Congress  to  her 
proceedings. 

Vermont  was  still  involved  in  the  controversy 
with  New  York,  during  the  troubles  resulting 
from  the  union  with  a  part  of  New  Hampshire. 
The  same  spirit  still  prevailed  with  both  par- 
ties, to  sustain  their  own  measures  at  all  haz- 
ards. On  the  7th  of  July,  1778,the  Governor  of 
Now  York  wrote  to  his  adherents  in  Vermont, 
recommending  that  wherever  the  friends  of 
New  York  were  sufficiently  powerful,  "firm 
resistance  should  be  made  to  the  draught- 
ing of  men,  the  raising  of  taxes,  and  to  al} 
,  the  acts  of  the 'ideal  State  of  Vermont;'  and 
i^      that  "jissociations  be  formed  for  mutual  de- 

,'    fence  against  this  usurpation." 

In  conformity  to  the  expressed  wishes  of 
Governor  Cimton,  a  Convention  of  the 
friends  of  New  York,  met  at  Brattleborough, 
'  on  the  4th  of  May,  1779.  After  organizing, 
a  petition,  to  the  Governor  of  New  York,  was 
drawn  up,  in  which  they  stated  that  the  "ide- 
al State  of  Vermont"  was  proceeding  to  con- 
fiscate their  property  ;  and  they,  therefore, 
*'  "entreated  his  Excellency  to  take  immediate 
measures  for  protecting  the  legal  subjects  of 
that  part  of  the  State,  and  for  convincing 

I  Congress  of  the  impropriety  of  delaying  a 
decision  in  a  matter  which  so  nearly  con- 
cerned the  peace,  welfare  and  lives  of  do  ma- 
ny of  their  firm  adherents."    A  military  as- 


•OL.   BTHAN   ALLEIV 


221 


Bociation  was,  also,  formed  about  the  same 
time,  for  the  purpose  of  resisting  the  author- 
ity of  Vermont. 

In  consequence  of  these  proceedings,  on 
the  part  of  New  York,  the  Governor  of  Ver- 
mont gave  orders  to  Ethan  Allen,  to  call  out 
the  militia.  When  informed  of  this  move- 
ment. Col.  Patterson,  who  held  a  commission 
in  the  county  of  Cumberland,  under  the  New 
York  authority,  addressed  a  letter  to  Gover- 
nor Clinton,  for  directions  relative  to  the 
emergency  of  the  case,  and  suggesting  the 
propriety  and  necessity  of  receiving  assist- 
ance from  the  mihtary  force  of  the  county  of 
Albany.  In  answer  to  this  communication, 
the  Governor  gave  assurances  of  protection ; 
and  recommended  that  "the  authority  of  Ver- 
mont should  not  be  acknowledged,  except  in 
the  alternative  of  submission  or  inevitable 
ruin." 

Governor  Clinton,  on  the  1 8th  of  May,  fol- 
lowing, wrote  to  the  President  of  Congress, 
in  regard  to  the  difficulties  existing  between 
the  two  States — declaring,  "that  matters  were 
fast  approaching  a  very  serious  crisis,  which 
nothing  but  the  immediate  interposition  of 
Congress,  could  possibly  prevent :"  that  he 
"daily  expected  he  should  be  obliged  to  order 
out  a  force  for  the  defence  of  those  who  ad- 
hered to  New  York :"  that  the  wisdom  of 
Congress  would  suggest  to  them  what  would 
be  thQ  consequence  of  submitting  the  con- 


I    I 


u. 


}  ■> 


.1: 


222 


MEMOIR   OF 


'|5 


troversy,  especially  at  this  juncture,  to  the 
decision  of  the  sword  ;  but,  that  justice,  the 
faith  of  government,  the  peace  and  safety  of 
society,  would  not  permit  them  to  continue 
any  longer,  passive  spectators  of  the  vio- 
lence committed  on  their  fellow  citizens." — 
This  letter,  together  with  several  other  doc- 
uments, relating  to  the  controversy,  were 
laid  before  Congress,  on  the  29th  of  May, 
1779,  and  referred  to  a' committee  of  the 
whole.    On  the  first  day  of  June,  Congress 
resolved  that  "a  committee  be  appointed  to 
repair  to  the  inhabitants  of  a  certain  district, 
known  by  the  name  of  the  New  Hampshire 
Grants,  and  enquire  into  the  reasons  why  they 
refuse  to  continue  citizens  of  the  respective 
States,  which  have  claimed  jurisdiction  over 
the  said  district :  and  that  they  take  every 
prudent  measure  to  promote  an  amicirble  set- 
tlement ;  and  to  prevent  divisions  and  airi- 
mosities,so  prejudicial  to  the  United  States.'* 
While  the  foregoing  matters  were  engag- 
ing the  attention  of  Congress,  Col.  Men, 
marched  with  an  armed  force,  and  made 
prisoners  of  Col.  Patterson,  and  others,  act- 
ing under  the  New  York  authority.    Com- 
plaint ^B.a  immediately  made  to  iGrovemor 
Clinton,  and  a  letter  was  addressed  by  him  to 
Congress,  wherein  he  stated  what  had  taken 
place,  disapproved  ofthe  before  mentioned  re- 
dolutions  of  Congress,  and  requested  that  the 
committee  appointed  to  repair  to  the  New 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


223 


Hampshire  Grants,  might  postfxxne  their  viait 
iiiitil  after  the  ensuing  session  of  the  New 
York  Legislature.  On  the  1 6th  of  June,  it 
was  resolved,  by  Congress,  that  the  officers 
captured  by  Col.  Allen,  should  be  set  at  lib- 
erty ;  and  that  the  coriimittee  referred  to,  be 
directed  to  inquire  into  the  circumstances 
connected  with  the  transaction.  Two,  only, 
of  the  committee,  attended  to  the  duty  as- 
signed them :  and,  owing  to  the  excited  state 
of  public  feeling,  they  failed  to  accomplish 
the  object  of  their  mission. 

Several  communications  were  forwarded 
to  Congress,  by  the  people  of  Vermont,  in 
relation  to  their  rights,  which  severally  en- 
gaged the  attention  of  that  body ;  and  the 
final  consideration  of  them  was  'postponed 
until  the  2d  Tuesday  in  September,  1780.  Ira 
Allen  and  Ste-phen  R.  Bradley,  were  appoint- 
ed Agents  of  Vermont,  to  attend  to  the  sub- 
ject, and  see  that  she  received  her  due  share 
of  justice.  The  matter  was  taken  up  by 
Congress,  on  the  19th  of  September — the 
Agents  of  Vermont  being  permitted  to  be 
present,  but  not  as  the  Representatives  of 
any  State,  or  as  the  delegates  of  a  body  of 
people  invested  with  legislative  authority. — 
fifTorts  were  made  by  both  New  Hampshire 
end  New  York,  to  prove  their  respective 
claims  to  the  disputed  territory  ;  and  it  soon 
appeared  evident  to  the  Agents,  that  Ver- 
mont was  not  regarded  as  a  paity  to  the  coa- 


t;  ^ 


1 '' 


OIL  I 


•V-  il't 


I   i 


iU 


;rl 


■i' 


I  J. 


'•I. 


r^ 


221 


MEMOIR  or 


f  '..  i'- 


troTorsy  ;  but  that  Congress,  in  attempting 
to  decide  between  New  Hampshire  and  Now 
York,  did  not  recognize  her  ciistence  ob  a 
distinct  jurisdiction. 

These  proceedings  were  viewed  with  alarm 
and  indignation  by  the  Agents  of  Vermont ; 
and  an  immediate  withdrawal  of  their  at- 
tendance was  the  consequence.  On  the  22d 
of  September,  they  transmitted  a  Remon- 
strance to  Congress,  in  which  they  ^^lament 
the  necessity  which  obliges  them  to  say,  that 
they  can  no  longer  sit  as  idle  spectators, 
without  betraying  the  trust  reposed  in  them, 
and  doing  violence  to  their  own  feelings,  to 
see  partial  modes  pursued,  plans  adopted, 
tx  parte  evidence  exhibited,  which  derives  all 
authority  from  the  attestation  of  the  party — 
passages  in  writings  selected,  giving  a  very 
false  representation  of  facts,  to  answer  no 
other  end  but  to  prejudice  your  honorable 
body  against  the  State  of  Vermont ;  thereby 
to  intrigue  and  baffle  a  brave  and  meritorious 
people  out  of  their  rights  and  liberties." — 
They  further  say,  that  they  "are  willing  to 
agree  upon  some  one  or  more  of  the  Legis- 
latures of  the  disinterested  States,  to  inter- 
pose as  mediators,  and  settle  the  dispute  f 
and  conclude  by  observing,  that  if  Congress 
continue  the  exercise  of  her  unjust  policy, 
they  "stand  ready  to  appeal  to  God  and  the 
world,  who  must  be  accountable  for  the  aw- 
ful consequences  that  must  ensue."  The  sub- 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEIf. 


mm9 


joct  "of  thft  controversy  again  occupied  the 
attention  of  Congress,  on  the  27th  of  Sep- 
tombcr ;  nhcn  the  further  consideration  of  it 
¥/B,8  postponed. 

The  pohcy  of  Congress,  in  postponing  the 
decision  of  the  controversy,  did  not  rcceivo 
the  cordial  acquiescence  of  Vermont.  It 
shewed,  it  is  true,  that  her  claims  to  inde- 
pendence, were  partially  recognized ;  yet  it 
had  a  direct  tendency  to  protract  the  final 
adjustment  of  those  claims.  In  this  state  of 
affairs,  she  resolved  upon  the  policy  of  ex- 
tending her  territory,  and  thereby  increasing 
her  power,  and  placing  herself  in  a  more  im- 
posing attitude.  She  was  not  unaware,  that 
a  majority  of  the  inhabitants  in  the  Western 
part  of  New  Hampshire,  were  still  anxious  to 
come  within  her  jurisdiction  ;  and  to  facili- 
tate the  accomplishment  of  this  object,  a 
Convention,  composed  of  representatives 
from  forty-three  towns,  assembled  at  Charles- 
town  on  the  16th  of  January,  1781 :  but  tho 
result  was  extremely  mortifying  :  as  it  was 
found  that  a  majority  of  the  representatives 
were  opposed  to  the  proposed  union.  A 
committee,  however,  was  appointed  by  tho 
Convention,  for  the  purpose  of  conferring 
with  Vermont  on  the  subject ;  and  on  tho 
10th  of  February,  they  informed  the  Legis- 
lature of  Vermont,  then  in  session  at  Wind- 
sor, that  "the  Convention  of  the  New  Ham|>- 
thire  towns,  was  desirous  of  bein^^  united 


11 


.FT 

I  m 


*■    1. 


H      ' 


I. 


ili; 


1ii'^ 


!-tr 


;^ 


m 


!       -    2!) 


■li: 


,^. 


226 


MNtfOin.  OF 


with  Vermont,  in  one  separate  governmentf. 
upon  such  principles  aft  should  be  mtttually 
thought  the  most  equitable  and  beneficial  to 
the  State."  On  the  report  of  the  committee^ 
to  whom  it  had  been  referred,  the  Legislature 
resolved,  that  "in  order  to  quiet  the  present 
disturbances  on  the  two  sides  of  Connecti" 
cut  River,  and  the  better  to  enable  the  in- 
habitants to  defend  their  frontier,  the  Legis- 
lature of  this  State  do  lay  a  jurisdictional  cliiim 
to  all  the  lands  East  of  th.i  Connecticut  Riv- 
er, North  of  Massachusetts,  West  of  Mason'* 
line,  and  South  of  latitude  45**:  but  that  they 
will  not,  for  the  time  being,  exercise  »aidju-i 
risdiction." 

A  Convention  of  the  towns,  in  New  Hamp- 
shire, anxious  for  the  proposed  union^  was, 
at  this  period,  in  session  at  Cornish,  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river ;  and  communica- 
tions in  relation  to  the  matter  in  agitation, 
were  repeatedly  exchanged  between  the 
committees  of  this  body  and  the  Legislature 
of  Vermont.  The  articles  of  union  were, 
finally,  agreed  upon — stipulating  that  the 
Vermont  Constitution  should  be  adopted  by 
the  towns  in  New  Hampshire— that  applica- 
tion should  be  made  to  Congress,  for  admis- 
sion into  the  Union — that  "full  act  of  oblivi- 
on be  passed,  for  former  offences,  by  persons 
who  professed  themselves  subjects  of  the 
State  of  New  York,"  and  that  the  Legisla- 
ture should  call  on  all  the  towns,  in  the  Slat^ 


.:■     h 


COL.  'ETHAV   JILLEN. 


227 


of  Vermont,  and  also  on  «1)  the  towns  on  the 
¥i^w  Hampshire  Grants,  Eajst  of  Connecti- 
€»t  River,  relativ.e  to  the  projected  union ; 
and^Uh^tthe  votes  of  each  town,  should  be 
returiied  to  the  Assembly,  at  their  adjourned 
session,  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  April  fol- 
lowing :  afld,  on  condition  that  t^o-thirds  of 
the  towns,  in  the  State  of  Vermont,  at  a  le* 
gal  town  meeting,  vote  for  the  union,  and,  al- 
so, two-thirds  of  the  towns  on  the  New- 
Hampshire  iG  rants.  East  of  Connecticut 
River,"  then  the  union  should  take  place,  and 
the  New  Hampshire  towns  be  at  liberty  to 
fiend  rep^resentatives  to  the  Legislature.  At 
the  session  of  the  Lfegislature,  in  April  fol- 
lowing, it  appeared  that  thirty-six  towns  were 
in  lavor  of  the  union.,  and  seven  opposed  to 
it.  The  union  was,  therefore  consummated ; 
and  thirty-five  Representatives  accordingly 
took  their  seats  from  the  towns  on  the  East 
side  of  Connecticut  River. 

In  consequence  of  the  unjustifiable  meas- 
ures of  New  York,  and  the  repeated  solicita- 
tions from  several  towns,  in  that  State,  bor- 
dering on  Vermont,  to  be  received  into 
union,  the  I^egislature,  on  the  14th  of  Februa- 
ry, 1781,  laid  junsdictional  claim  to  all  the 
lands  West  of  her  present  territory,  and 
East  of  Hudson's  River  to  the  head  thereof, 
and  thence  East  of  a  Noi^th  line,  extending 
to  the  45th  degree  of  north  latitude — provi- 
ding, that  this  jurisdiction  should  not  be  ex- 


» 


\'ili 


t  i  ^  '■ 

I  t 


■ 


'H 


f! 


■M 


{•? 


'    if'! 


'.I  I 

Ma 


!  rill 
il-li 


5    i 


:   f 


228 


MEMOIR   OF 


ercised  for  the  time  being.  On  the  \  1  th  of 
April,  however,  the  Legislature  of  Vermont 
appointed  n.  committee  to  attend  a  Conven- 
tion of  delegates  from  the  towns  in  New- 
York,  desiring  an  union,  and  make  the  re- 
cjuisite  arrangements  for  eflbcting  it.  The 
Convention  met  at  Cambridge,  on  the  35th 
of  May — the  articles  of  union  were  agreed 
to,  by  both  parties ;  and,  on  the  IG-th  of  June, 
following,  they  were  confirmed  by  the  Legis- 
hiture  of  Vermont,  and  Representatives  from 
these  towns  were  admitted  to  scats  in  that 
body. 

The  people  of  Vermont  having  been  driy- 
en,  by  the  refusal  of  Congress,  to  recognize 
their  claims  to  independence,  and  by  the  op- 
position they  experienced  on  every  quarter, 
to  the  necessity  of  maintaining  their  rights 
unaided,  wisely  determined  to  pursue  that 
course  of  policy  which  would  secure  their 
safety  and  independence,  against  the  en- 
croachments of  the  British  on  the  North,  and 
the  stratagems  of  their  enemies  in  other  sec- 
tions. The  British  Generals,  in  America, 
had,  for  a  long  period,  entertained  the  J^ope 
of  turning  the  disputes  bctw  een  Vermont  and 
the  other  States,  to  their  own  advantage,  by 
detaching  that  section  of  territory  from  the 
American  cause,  and  making  it  a  British 
Province.  The  first  intimation  of  this  plan 
was  communicated  by  Col.  Beverly  Robinson 
lo  Col.  Ethan  Allen,  in  a  letter  dated  the  30ih 


COL.    ETHAN    ALIEN. 


229 


nth  of 
i^ermont 
Conven- 
in  New- 

tiie  re- 
it.  The 
the  15th 
e  agreed 
[  of  June, 
le  Legis- 
ivcsfrom 
ts  in  that 

een  driy- 
ccognizb 
►y  the  oi>- 
r  quarter, 
pir  rights 
rsuc  that 
urc  their 

the  cn- 
orth,  and 

her  sec- 
America, 
;he  I^ope 
mont  and 
ntagc,  hy 
from  the 
a  British 

this  plan 
Robinb'on 

d  the  30{[\ 


of  March,  1780.  It  was  delivered  to  Col. 
Allen,  by  a  British  soldier,  in  disguise,  in  the 
streets  of  Arlington.  Col.  Robinson  com- 
menced his  letter  by  hoping  that  his  propo- 
sals would  be  received  with  the  same,  good 
intention  with  which  he  made  them  :  and 
proceeded  to  say,  that  he  had  often  been  in- 
formed that  Col.  Allen  and  most  of  the  in- 
habitants of  Vermont,  were  opposed  to  the 
wild  and  chimerical  scheme  of  the  Ameri- 
cans in  attempting  to  separate  from  Great 
Britain,  and  to  establish  an  independent  gov- 
ernment of  their  own  ;  and  that  he  would 
willingly  assist  in  uniting  America  to  Great 
Britain,  and  in  restoring  that  happy  consti- 
tution so  wantonly  and  unadvisedly  destroy- 
ed. "If  I  have  been  rightly  informed,"*  pro- 
ceeds the  writer,  "and  these  should  be  your 
sentiments  and  inclinations,  I  beg  that  you 
will  communicate  to  me,  without  reserve, 
whatever  proposals  you  would  wish  to  make 
to  the  commander-in-chief;  and,  I  hereby 
promise,  that  I  will  faithfully  lay  them  before 
him  according  to  your  directions ;  and  I  flat- 
ter myself  I  can  do  it  to  as  good  eflfect,  as 
any  person  whatever.  I  can  make  no  propo- 
sals to  you  until  I  know  your  sentiments  ; 
but  think,  upon  your  taking  an  active  part, 
and  embodying  the  inhabitants  of  Vermont, 
in  favor  of  the  crown  of  England,  to  act  as 
the  commander-in-chief  shall  direct,  that 
you  may  obtain  a  separate  government  under 

20 


i  i! 


«f 


* 


I  1 


230 


MEMOIR   OF 


;  h'^ 


I' 


l« 


]U: 


■'f 


- 


the  King  and  Constitution  of  England,  and 
the  men,  formed  into  regiments  under  such 
officers  as  you  shall  recommend,  be  on  the 
same  footing  as  all  the  provincial  corps  are. 
If  you  should  think  prbper  to  seud  a  friend  of 
your  own  here,  with  proposals  to  the  General, 
he  shall  he  protected,  and  well  treated,  and 
allowed  to  return  whenever  he  pleases."  The 
contents  of  this  letter  were  immediately 
communicated,  by  Col.  Allen,  to  the  Govern- 
or and  other  confidejitial  persons,  who  unan- 
imously agreed  that  it  would  be  ij^LipoUtic  to 
return  an  answer. 

On  the  2d  of  February,  1781,  Col.  Robii^- 
son  addressed  a  second  letter  to  Col.  AUeii, 
inclosing  a  copy  of  the  former  one,  in  which 
he  says — '^The  frequent  accounts  we  have 
had,  for  three  months  past,  from  your  part  of 
the  country,  confirms  me  in  the  opinion  I  had, 
of  your  inclination  to  join  the  King's  cause, 
and  assist  in  restoring  America  to  her  former 
peaceable  and  happy  constitution.  This  in- 
duces me  to  make  another  trial  iji  sending 
this  to  you  :  especially,  as  I  can  write  with 
more  authority,  and  assure  you  that  you  may 
obtain  the  terms  mentioned  in  the  above  let- 
ter, provided  you  and  the  people  of  Vermont 
take  a  decisive  and  ,active  part  with  us."-* 
To  this  communication.  Col.  Robinson  re- 
quested an  answer  ;  and,  also,  that  soma 
method  might  be  pointed  cut  for  carrying  on 
a  future  correspondence. 


m 


I*: 


COL.    ETHAN    ALLEN. 


231 


No  answer  was  returned  to  either  of  these 
letters  by  Col.  Allen;  but  on  the  9th  of 
March,  1781,  he  inclosed  them  in  a  commu- 
nication to  Congress.  In  this  letter,  convin- 
ced of  the  integrity  of  his  conduct,  and  the 
justice  of  the  measures  contended  for  by  the 
people  of  Vermont,  he  observed — '•!  am  con- 
fident that  Congress  will  not  dispute  my  sin- 
cere attachment  to  the  cause  of  my  cour  ry, 
though  I  do  not  hesitate  to  say,  I  am  fully 
grounded  in  opinion,  that  Vermont  has  an 
indubitable  right  to  agree  on  terms  of  a  ces- 
sation of  hostilities  with  Great  Britain,  pro- 
vided the  United  States  persist  in  rejecting 
her  application  for  an  union  with  them  :  for 
Vermont,  of  all  people,  would  be  the  most 
miserable,  were  she  obliged  to  defend  the  lil- 
dependence  of  the  United  (claiming)  States, 
and  they,  at  the  same  time,  at  full  liberty  to 
overturn  and  ruin  the  independence  of  Ver- 
mont* I  am  persuaded,  when  Congress  con- 
sider the  circumstances  of  this  State,  they 
^will  be  more  surprised  that  I  have  transmit- 
ted them  the  inclose*d  letters,  than  that  I  have 
kept  them  in  custody  so  long  ;  for  I  am  as 
resolutely  determined  to  defend  the  indepen- 
dence of  Vermont,  as  Congress  are  that  of 
the  United  States ;  and  rather  than  fail,  will 
retire  with  the  hardy  Green  Mountain  Boys, 
into  the  desolate  caverns  of  the  mountains, 
and  wage  war  with  human  nature  at  large.'' 

This  ncgociation  was  continued  between 


232 


MEMOIR    OF 


:'*■; 


r&iL 


Vermont  and  Canada,  until  the  year  1782 — 
having  in  its  effects,  not  only  served  to  pro- 
tect the  state  from  the  ravages  of  the  British 
troops,  but  also  to  lessen  the  difficulties  at- 
tendant upon  her  admission  into  the  Federal 
Union  ;  and,  to  the  firmness  and  patriotism 
of  Col.  Allen,  in  this  difficult  matter,  may  be 
attributed,  in  a  great  measure,  the  many  ad- 
vantages which  resulted  from  it.  / 

During  the  negociation  with  the  British 
authorities,  the  primary  cause  of  it  was  not 
forgotten  or  neglected  by  the  people  of  Ver- 
mont. Their  efforts  were  still  continued  to 
advance  her  internal  interests,  and  procur^ 
an  acknowledgement  of  her  claim  to  an  ad- 
mission into  the  Union.  In  consequence  of 
her  unceasing  efforts,  to  this  effect,  a  com- 
mittee of  Congress,  on  the  20th  of  August, 
1781,  made  a  report,  in  relation  to  the  sub- 
ject, to  that  body  :  whereupon,  the  following 
resolution  was  adopted  : 

^'Resolved,  That  it  be  an  indispensable  pre- 
Hminary  to  the  recognition  of  the  independ- 
ence of  the  people  inhabiting  the  territory 
called  Vermont,  and  their  admission  into  the 
federal  union,  that  they  explicitly  relinquish 
all  demands  of  lands  or  jurisdiction  on  the 
east  side  of  the  west  bank  of  the  Connecti- 
cut River,  and  on  the  west  side  of  a  Hne,  be- 
ginning at  the  north-west  corner  of  the  State 
of  Massachusetts,  thence  running  twenty 
miles  east  of  Hudson's  River,  so  far  as  the 


>   ■ '  "^'J 


(!■>' 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


233 


jiaid  River  runs  north  easterly,  in  its  genera!' 
course ;  then  by  the  west  bounds  of  the  town- 
.iships  granted  by  the  late  government  of  New 
Hampshire,  to  the  River  running  from  South 
Bay  to  Lake  Champlain,  thence  along  the 
said  River  to  Lake  Champlain,  tothe  latitude 
of  45**  north ;  excepting  a  neck  of  land  be- 
tween Missisque  Bay  and  the  waters  of  Lake 
Champlain.^' 

Both  the  States  of  Vermont  and  New  York 
were  dissatisfied  with  this  resolution — the 
one  because  it  stipulated,  as  the  condition  of 
her  admission  into  the  confederacy,  the  dis- 
solution of  her  unions  with  the  adjoining 
States,  and  the  other  because  it  recognized 
the  justness  of  a  claim  against  which  she  had 
long  and  strenuously  contended.  The  sub- 
ject was  taken  up,  by  a  committee  of  the 
Legislature  of  Vermont,  on  the  17th  of  Oc- 
tober, 1781 — when  it  was  resolved  as  the 
^'opinion  of  this  corawnttee,  that  the  Legis- 
lature cannot  comply  with  the  resolution, 
without  destroying  the  foundation  of  thepres- 
ent  universal  harmony  and  agreement  that 
subsists  in  this  State,  and  a  violation  of  sol- 
emn compact  entered  into  by  articles  of 
union  and  confederation.'^ 

The  political  condition  of  Vermont,  was 
ttbw  in  every  respect,  extremely  alarming  f 
and  all  parties  trembled  at  the  fearful  ap- 
proach of  civil  war,    Fortunately,  however, 

for  the  prosperity  of  those  concerned,  Gov, 
-  20  • 


■  5 


•i 


'  v 


im 


w 


♦* 


•«    li 


I'vl  1 


U 


! 


:.<^, 


,1  ■  U  ; 


f  ii^ii 


i  '  ^ 


i 


fi 


231 


MEMOIR    OF 


Chittenden  received  a  letter  from  General 
Washington,  dated  January  1, 1782,  in  which 
he  remarked — "It  is  not  my  business,  nor  do 
I  think  it  necessary,  now  to  discuss  the  origin 
of  the  right  of  a  number  of  inhabitants,  to 
that  tract  of  country,  formerly  distinguished 
by  the  name  of  the  New  Hampshire  Grants, 
and  now  by  that  of  Vermont.    I  will  take  it 
fc   granted,  that  their  right  was  good,  be- 
cause Congress,  by  their  resolve  of  the  7th 
of  August,  imply  it ;  and  by  that  of  the  20th4 
are  willing  fully  to  confirm  it,  provided  the 
new  State  is  confined  to  certain  described 
bounds.     It  appears,  therefore,  to  me,  that 
the  dispute  of  boundary  is  the  only  one  that  I 
exists ;  and,  that  being  removed,  all  other 
difliculties  would  be  removed  also,  and  the 
matter  terminate  to   the  satisfaction  of  all 
parties.     You  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  with- 
draw your  jurisdiction  to  the  confines  of  your 
own  limits,  and  obtain  an  acknowledgement 
of  independence  and  sovereignty,  under  the 
resolve  of  the  20th  of  August,  for  so  much 
territory  as  does  not  interfere  with  the  an* 
cient  established  bounds  of  New  Hampshire, 
New  York  and  Massachusetts.    In  my  pri- 
vate opinion,  while  it  behoves  the  delegates 
to  do  ample  justice  to  a  people,  suflSciently 
respectable  by  their  members,  and  entitled^ 
by  other  claims,  to  be  admitted  into  thd  con- 
federation, it  becomes  them,  also,  to  attend 
to  the  interests  of  their  constituents,  and  see, 


M 


m 


<■>      ■  r 


COL.   ETIIA.N   ALLEN. 


235 


General 
in  which 
s,  nor  do 
he  origin 
itants,  to 
nguished 
D  Grants, 
ill  take  it 
Tood,  be- 
►f  the  7th 
'  the  20tlu 
vided  the 
described 
me,  that 
f  one  thatl 
all  other 
►,  and  the 
Lion  of  all 
^t  to  with- 
es of your 
edgement 
under  the 
so  much 
,h  the  an* 
ampshire^ 
n  my  pri- 
delegates 
ufficiently 
entitled^ 
th^  con- 
to  attend 
Is,  and  see, 


that  under  the  appearance  of  justice  to  one, 
they  do  not  materially  injure  the  others.  I 
am  apt  to  think  this  is  the  prevailing  opinion 
of  Congress!" 

The  advice  of  Washingtoiv  had  a  power- 
ful eftect  upon  the  minds  of  the  people  of 
Vermont.  He  was  endeared  to  them  by  his 
many  sacrifices  in  the  cause  of  American  In- 
dependence, and  by  the  examples  of  his  pri- 
vate virtues :  At  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Legislature  at  Bennington,  the  communica- 
tion was  laid  before  them :  and,  on  the  22d 
of  February,  it  was  resolved  to  comply  with 
the  prehminary  requirement  of  the  resolution 
of  Congress,  and  relinquish  all  claims  to  the 
territory  therein  described,  originally  attach- 
ed to  other  districts. 

The  determination  of  the  Legislature  of 
Vermont,  on  the  18th  of  October,  heretofore 
referred  to,  had  been  communicated  to  Cort- 
gress ;  and  much  warmth  of  feeling  was  ex- 
hibited upon  the  subject,  in  that  body.  It 
was  resolved,  among  other  things,  "that,  if 
Vermont  did  not,  within  one  month  from  the 
time  this  resolution  was  communicated  to 
Gov.  Chittenden,  comply  with  the  resolution 
of  the  20th  of  August,  and  relinquish  her 
jurisdiction  beyond  the  bounds  therein  nam- 
ed, such  neglect  and  refusal  would  be  regard- 
ed as  an  indication  of  hostility  to  the  United 
States."  Previous  to  the  adoption  of  this 
resolution,  the  agents  of  Vermont  arrived  at 


11 


v^* 


jl'u 


s ...  .     V 


■Jii.L'f  ■ 


Hi 


:,.!t|>       , 

I;  lit' 


i  ;■  ' 


■;' 


,  \ 


236 


MEMOIR   OF 


Philadelphia,  when  Congress  were  informed 
that  the  requirement,  preliminary  to  the  re- 
cognition of  her  independence,  had  l^een 
complied  with  by  Vermont ;  and^  that  the 
conditional  promise  of  such  recognition^  was, 
consequently,  binding  upon  Congress.  Tlve 
subject,  however,  did  not  receive  i^  doe 
share  of  attention,  and  the  agents^  disap- 
pointed in  their  hopes,  returned  home; 

The  subjiect  was  again  taken  up  by  Con* 
gress,  on  the  5th  of  December ;  but  instead 
of  fulfilling,  their  engagements  t€>>  Vermont, 
made  by  the  resolution  of  the  20th  of  Au^ 
gust,  1781,  their  proceedings  were  charac- 
terized by  bitter  invective  against  the  peopte 
of  that  State,  for  having  exercised  authority 
over  certain  individuals  professing  alliegiance 
to  New  York,  in  violation  of  the  reso1i\|;ions 
of  Congress,  passed  on  the  24th  of  Septem^- 
ber,  1779,  and  on  the  2d  of  June,  1780  :  and 
it  was  resolved,  ^^that  Vermont  be  required 
to  viake  full  restitution  to  the  persons  con- 
demned to  banishment,  or  confiscation  of 
property,  and,  that  they  be  not  molested  on 
their  return  to  said  District'^  It  was  further 
resolved  ^Hhat  the  United  Statea  will  tak«  e^ 
fectuai  measures  to  enforce  a  compliamee 
wijth  the  aforesaid  resolution,  in.  case  thg 
same  sballbe  disobeyed  by  the  people  of  thii 
said  district." 

These  i  measures  completely  weakened  the 
lajtb  o£  tber  p^plc  of  Vermont  iaika  wn»- 


t  ■   1 


COL.    ETHAN   ALLEN. 


237 


dom  and  integrity  of  Congress,  and,  nearly 
destroyed  their  hopes  of  obtaining  redress 
from  that  body.  However,  a  spirited  remon- 
strance, to  the  foregoing  proceedings,  was 
forwarded  to  Congress,  by  the  Governor  and 
Council  of  Vermont,  in  which  the  whole  facts 
in  the  case  were  set  forth,  in  a  plain  and  un- 
varnished manner,  and  a  request  made,  in 
conclusion,  that  Vermont  might  he  admitted 
into  the  union.  In  consequence  of  this  re- 
monstrance, and  other  corresponding  meas- 
ures, Congress  did  not  judge  it  politic  to  at- 
tempt to  carry  into  effect  her  resolutions  of 
the  5th  of  December. 

In  the  southeastern  section  of  the  State  of 
Vermont,  at  its  first  organization,  were  ma- 
ny individuals  opposed  to  its  independence, 
and,  of  course,  friendly  to  the  claims  of  New 
York.  These  persons  eagerly  embraced  ev- 
ery opportunity  to  embarrass  the  State ;  and, 
on  several  occasions,  openly  resisted  its  au- 
thority. This  opposition  was  principally  con- 
fined to  the  town  of  Guilford — at  that  peri- 
od, the  most  populous  village  in  the  State. — 
The  two  parties  in  this  town,  (the  friends  of 
Vermont  and  those  of  New  York,)  had  each 
an  organization  of  their  own ;  and,  in  some 
cases,  there  were  two  sets  of  town  officers. 
Between  these,  and  their  friends,  frequent 
skirmishes  occurred,  which  not  unfrequently 
ended  in  bloodshed.  The  enmity  of  these 
parties  was  carried  to  an  alarming  extent 


•  i 


.-'• » 


t  it 


.f 


^, 

1 

f 

V 

1 

•      # 

•  *  \ 

•.'*,'■ 

4        .t 

ift 


i''U 


238 


MEMOIR   09 


duting  the  years  1783  and  1784.  Social  or- 
der was  entirely  at  an  end  ;  and  even  Physi- 
cians were  not  allowed  to  pursue  their  avo- 
cations, without  procuring  a  pass  from  tho 
several  committees.  In  this  unpleasant  stato 
of  affairs,  Col.  Ethan  Allen,  (at  that  period 
invested  with  the  command  of  the  military 
forces  of  Vermont,)  was  directed  to  call  out 
the  militia,,  for  the  purpose  of  enforcing  the 
laws,  and  of  suppressing  the  symptoms  of 
civil  war  exhibited  among  the  people  of 
Windham  county.  In  accordance  with  these 
directions,  he  marched  from  Bennington  with 
a  force  of  about  one  hundred  Green  Moun- 
tain Boys ;  and,  t  pon  his  arrival  at  Guilford, 
he  issued  the  following  unique  Proclamation : 
"/,  Ethan  Men^  declare^  that  unless  the  people  of 
Guilford^  veaf:eably  submit  to  the  authority  of 
Vermont^  1  will  make  the  town  as  desolate  as  wert 
the  cities  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  .'"  The 
"Yorker^"  were  fired  upon  by  Col.  Allen  and 
his  men,  and  pursued  ;  and  all  either  taken 
prisoners  or  dispersed.  Marshal  iii.v»  was  es- 
tablished by  Col.  Allen;  and,  under  it,  a 
large  proportion  of  the  property,  belonging 
to  the  tories  and  dissenters,  was  sold  for  the 
benefit  of  the  State. 

Very  little  alteration  was  effected  in  the 
government  of  Vermont  for  several  years  af- 
ter the  close  of  the  war.  After  the  adoption 
of  the  Federal  Constitution,  however,  the 
policy  and  proceedings  of  Congress  wer^ 


•i!'^' 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


239 


ocial  or- 
311  Physi- 
heir  avo- 
from  tho 
jant  state 
at  period 
B  military 
o  call  out 
>rcing  the 
iptoms  of 
)eoplo    of 
with  these 
igtonwiih 
en  Moun- 
t  Guilford, 
jlamation : 
he  people  of 
uihority  of 
late  as  wen 
hr    The 
Allen  and 
;her  taken 
V,  was  es- 
nder  it,  a 
belonging 
old  for  the 

ted  IB  the 
i\  years  af- 
e  adoption 
ever,  the 
ress  were 


critically  observed  by  the  people  of  that  State. 
Their  measures  bf^ing  marked  by  wisdom 
and  prudence,  had  the  eil'ect  of  gaining  the 
confidence  of  tlie  people,  and  of  removing 
the  aversion,  which  had  been  expressed  on 
former  occasions,  of  joining  the  Federal 
Union. 

The  former  controversy  with  the  State  of 
New  York,  which  had,  already,  produced  so 
much  difficulty,  still  remained  unsettled.  The 
authorities  of  that  state  were  well  aware 
that  Vermont  would  now  succeed  in  main- 
taining her  independence ;  and,  it  is  proba- 
bly, the  fact,  that  she  entertained  but  little 
hostility  to  the  measure.    The  former  Gov- 
ernors of  New  York,  had,  however,  made 
grants  of  extensive  tracts  of  land  in  Ver- 
mont, the  validity  of  which  was  not  admit- 
ted by  the  government  of  Vermont.    It  wat 
not  conceived  by  New  York,  that  she  waa 
under  any  particular  obhgations  to  refund 
the  moneys  received  for  these  lande — they 
being  the  grants  of  the  royal  governors  :     A 
disposition  was  manifested,  however,  to  con>- 
promise  the  matter,  on  just  and  amicable 
terms  :  and,  in  accordance  with  these  views, 
at  a  session  of  her  Legislature,  on  the  15th 
of  J.uly,  1789,  an  act  was  passed,  appointing 
a  certain  number  of  commissioners  to  ac^ 
knowledge  the  sovereignty  of  Vermont,  and 
adjust  all  ditHculties  with  that  State.    Com- 
missioners were,  also,  appointed  on  the  part 


1 1 


1     \i 


}i 


f^' 


240 


'S  ■; 


1  .•:  1 :  f 


IvH 


T< 


in 


1 1 


f. 


MEMOIR   OF 


of  Vermont,  to  treat  with  those  of  New  York, 
and  remove  whatever  obstructions  existed  to 
prevent  her  admission  into  the  union. 

On  the,7th  of  October,  1790,  "the  com- 
missioners for  New  York,  by  virtue  of  the 
powers  to  them  granted  for  that  purpose,  de- 
clared the  consent  of  the  Legislature  of 
New  York,  that  the  State  of  Vermont  be 
admitted  into  the  Union  of  the  United  States 
of  America;    and  that,  immediately  upon 
^such  admission,  all  claims  of  jurisdiction  of 
■  the  State  of  New  York,  within  the  State  of 
,     Vermont,  shall  cease ;  and  thenceforth,  the 
perpetual    hne  between  the  State  of  New 
-  York  and  the  State  of  Vermont,-  shall  be  as 
was  then  holden  and  possessed  by  Vermont ;" 
that  is,  the  West  lines  of  the  most  Western 
towns    which  had   been  granted   by  New 
^Hampshire,  and  the  middle  channel  of^Lake 
'  iChamplain. — In  regard  to  the  lands  gf&nted 
*  under  the  Provincial  government  of  New 
J*  York,  "the  commissioners,  by  virtue  of  the 
I  powers  to  them  granted,  declare  the'  will  of 
t  the  Legislature  of  New  York,  that  if  the 
f  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Vermont  should, 
on,  or  before,  the  first  day  of  January,  1792, 
»  declare,  that  on,   or  before,  the  first  day  of 
^June,  1794,  the  State  of  Vermont  would  pay 
the  State  of  New  York,  the  sum  of  thirty 
thousand  dollars,  that  immediatelv  from  such 
declaration,  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State 
of  Vermont,  all  rights  and  titles  to  lands 


i-    V- 


COL.  ETHAN  ALLEN. 


241 


lil 


.within  the  State  of  Vermont,  under  grants 
.£rom  the  government  of  the  colony  of  New 
York,  or  from  the  State  of  New  York,  should 
cease,"  excepting   those,>  which   had   been 
made  in  confirmation  of  the  grants  of  New 
Hampshire.     This   proposal    was    readily 
.  agre.ed  to  by  yermont ;  and,  on  the  28th  of 
October,  1790,  an  act  was  passed  directing 
the  Treasurer  of  the  State  to  pay  the  sum  of 
..thirty  thousand  dollars  to  the  State  of  New 
York,  at  the  proposed  time.    *  In  this  amica- 
ble manner.,'  says  Dr.  Williams, '  was  termi- 
nated a  controversy  which  had  been  carried 
.,pn,  with  great  animosity,  for  twenty-six  years.' 
'  The  General  Assembly  of  Vermont,  com- 
menced its  session  at  Bennington,  on  the 
10th  of  January,  1791 ;  and,  appointed  Hon. 
Nath'l.  Chipman,  and  Lewis  R.  Morris,  Esq., 
,  Commissioners  to  attend  Congress,  and  ne- 
.  ,gociate  the  admission  of  the  State  into  the 
.  union.    They  repaired  to  Philadelphia,  and 
.  laid  before  the  President  of  the  United  States 
the  proceedings  of  the  Convention  and  Le- 
gislature ;  and,    on  the  1 5th  of  February, 
1791,  Vermont  was  admitted  into  the  Union, 
without  debate,  or  a  dissenting  vote. 

We  have  thus  given  the  reader  a  concise 
view  of  all  the  principal  events  in  which  Col. 
Allen  was  concerned :  and,  it  is  truly  gratifying 
to  consider,  that,  in  all  the  trying  scenes  of  his 
life — in  all  the  vicissitudes  attendant  upon 

21 


! 
t 
il    I 


242 


Memoir  OF 


■lit  <: 


t  ; 


C   ■  ■ 


•i' 


;ii'5 


1  .: 


Vi  Us 


I'      ■: 


ii;. 


^'■^i-^ 


1  f'.iti  !  r 


a  protracted  captiyity — h6  was  never  liiMrget* 
ful  of  the  rights  of  his  Mow  men,  or  the  caiide 
of  liberty  in  which  his  country  was  engaged. 
We  have  seen  him  cast  aside,  as  Unworthy 
the  principles  which  governed  him,  the  pro^ 
fered  honors  of  the  British  crown  to  betray 
his  allegiance  to  his  country'jB  cause.  We  have 
seen  him  adhering,  with  patriotic  affection,  to 
the  interests  of  that  country,  even  while  her 
efforts  were  directed  to  crush  the  rising  pros- 
pects of  his  adopted  ^tate.   What  individual, 
then,  will  deny  him  the  tribute  of  gratitude, 
or  withhold  from  his  memory,  that  mysteridus 
feeling  of  veneration  which  patriotism  ex- 
acts from  the  friends  of  liberty  ? 
CoL  Allen  was  the  author  of  several  pblit- 
,    ical  and  religious  Works..    The  former  were 
principally  illustrative  of  the  measures  adopt- 
ed by  the  people  of  the  New  Hampshi^ 
Grants,  in  relation  to  the  position  they  asisum- 
ed  in  the  controversy  with  the  New  York  au- 
thorities :  and  the  latter  were,  probably,  writ- 
ten more  with  a  view  to  gratify  a  desire  to 
^  occupy  a  space  in  the  public  mind,  than  for 
.  any  other  purpose.   His  religious  sentiiiients, 
as  promulgated  i^  his  writings,  were  nearly 
allied  to  £)eism  5    Yet,  it  is  q:uite  probable, 
from  the    following  anecdote^  tfet  his  real 
\  i  opmiom  were  based  npon  a  different  creed  : 
.  A  Dr.  Elliot,  who  removed  from  Guilford, 
^  Conn.,  to  Vermont,  was  well  acquainted  with 
tCol.  Allen,  and  made  him  a  visit  at  a  time 
when  his  daughter  was  very  dangerously  sick. 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEN. 


243 


He  was  introduced  into  the  Library ;  where 
t;he  Colonel  read  to  him  some  of  his  writings. 
While  thus  engaged,  a  messenger  entered,  and 
informed  him  that  his  daughter  was  dying,  and 
desired  to  speak  with  him.    He  immediately 
went  to  her  chamber,  accompanied  by  Dr. 
Blliot,  who  was  desirous  of  witnessing  the  in- 
terview. The  wife  of  Col.  Allen  was  a  pious 
woman,  and  had  faithfully  instructed   her 
ij^ughter  in  the  principles  of  Christianity.  As 
sojon  as  her  father  appeared  at  her  bed  side, 
she  said  to  him,  "I  am  about  to  die:  shall  I 
believe  in  the  principles  you  have  taught  me, 
or  shall  I  believe  in  what  my  mother  has  taught 
me  ?"  Col,  Allen  became  extremely  agitated : 
His  chili  <r   vered — his  whole  frame  shook  : 
and,  aftei  i/  apse  of  a  few  minutes,  he  replied, 
^Believe  what  your  mother  has  taught  you,^'*    It 
would  appear,  from  this,  that  however  much 
Col.  Allen  might  have  indulged  in  the  exer- 
cise of  his  fancy,  upon  religious  matters,  he 
was  still,  in  principle,  attached  to  the  beauti- 
ful and  holy  precepts  inculcated  by  our  Savior. 
Col.  Allen  was  brave,  even  to  rashness :  In 
support  of  this  position,  we  submit  to  the 
reader  the  following  adventure,  related  to  us 
a  short  time  since,  by  a  gentleman  remotely 
connected  with  him. — Soon  after  the  Procla- 
mation of  the  Provincial  Governor  of  New 
York,  was  received  by  the  people  of  Vermont, 
iu  which  a  reward  of  one  hundred  pounds  was 
offered  for  the  apprehension  of  Allen,  much 
anxiety  was  felt,  by  his  friends,  for  his  safety, 


I. 


t 

't 


IS 


244 


MEMOIR   OF 


I  i    1 


t.l 


>  1 


I  » 


on  account  of  the  many  opportunities  offered 
for  arresting  him.  Allen,  however,  laughed  at 
their  fears ;  and  offered  a  bet  that  he  would 
proceed  to  Albany — alight  at  the  most  prom- 
inent house  of  entertainment — drink  a  bowl 
of  punch,  and,  finally,  escape  unharmed.  This 
was  accepted  :  His  necessary  arrangements 
having  been  made,  he  proceeded  to  Albany, 
and,  after  ahghting,  called  for  a  bowl  of  punch 
according  to  the  terms  of  the  bet.  It  was 
soon  whispered  around,  however,  that  "Ethan 
Allen  was  in  the  city ;"  and,  a  large  concouise 
of  people  collected  about  the  house — among 
whom,  was  the  Sheriff  of  Albany  county.  Alw 
len,  however,  remained  unmoved.  Having 
finished  his  punch,  he  went  to  the  door, 
mounted  his  horse,  and,  after  giving  a  hearty 
''huzza  for  Vermont  /"  departed,  unharmed, 
from  the  astonished  and  gaping  multitude. 

The  following  anecdote,  derived  from  a 
source  entitled  to  credit,  exhibits  good  evi- 
dence of  the  singularity,  as  well  as  the  firm 
resolution  of  Col.  Allen :  He  was,  for  a  short 
period,  a  resident  of  Tinmouth,  Vt. ;  and  was 
celebrated  among  his  townsmen  for  acts  of 
boldness,  and  a  perfect  contempt  of  every 
thing  pertaining  to  cowardice,  as  he  had  been 
among  the  soldiery,  in  his  previous  miUtary 
career.  Being  one  day  on  a  visit  to  a  neigh- 
boring town,  (Middletown,)  he  happened  in 
at  the  house  of  a  gentleman,  who,  though  not 
a  regular  dentist,  was,  nevertheless,  m  the 
^habit  of  extracting  teeth.  A  woman  came  in, 


COL.   ETMAX  ALLEN* 


245 


concouise 


suffering  from  the  pain  of  a  decayed  tooth, 
but  without  sufficient  courage  to  permit  an 
extraction.  She  frequently  approached  the 
/a/o/ seat,  assigned  for  that  purpose,  and,  as 
often  retreated.  Allen,  in  the  mean  time,  a 
very  uneasy  spectator,  could  restrain  his  feel- 
ings no  longer.  "Here,"  said  he  to  the  Dent- 
ist, "take  out  one  of  my  teeth."  ♦'They  are 
all  sound.  General."*  "Never  mind — do  as  I 
direct  you."  A  tooth  was  extracted.  "Now 
take  courage,  madam,  from  the  example  I 
have  given  you,"  said  Allen,  to  the  trembling 
woman.  Pride  overcame  her  fears ;  and  she 
was  soon  relieved  from  apprehension  and 
pain. 

An  idea  of  the  honesty  and  love  of  veracity 
of  Col.  Allen,  may  be  obtained  from  the  sub- 
joined anecdote  :  A  certain  individual,  to 
whom  he  was  indebted,  had  commenced  a 
suit  against  him :  and  a  lawyer  had  been  emr 
ployed  by  him,  to  attend  to  it,  and  get  the 
judgment  postponed,  if  possible.  As  an  easy 
method  to  effect  this,  the  lawyer  denied  the 
signature  of  the  note,  knowing  it  would  be 
almost  impossible  for  the  plaintiff  to  prove 
it  genuine.  Allen,  who  was  present,  could 
not  submit  to  this  trick  of  the  law.  Walking 
forwacd,  through  the  crowd,  he  thus  address- 
ed the  astonished  lawyer.    "Mr.  — ,  I  did  not 

*  Col.  Allen  was,  for  a  short  period,  the  conn- 
mander  of  the  military  forces  of  Vermont,  with  the 
rank  of  Brigadier  Geoeral. 

21  » 


N' 


."^M- 


'<C, 


::l  1.1 


!   ,1   P    {].   4' 


1;;M 


•;  1;!  r, 


i  %  t 


I  if 


kV- 


\ih 


% 


ii 


1 


i; 


246 


MEMOIR  OF 


employ  you  to  come  here  and  /te—-r  employ- 
ed you  to  tell  the  truth.  The  note  is  a  true 
one — ^the  signature  is  mine.  All  I  ask  of  the 
court  is,  to  grant  me  sufficient  time  to  medit 
the  payment.''  It  is  almost  needless  to  add, 
that  the  plaintiff  acceded  to  his  wish. 

In  canvassing  the  various  events,  in  the 
life  of  Col.  Allen,  we  arrive  at  the  irresistible 
conclusion,  that  he  was  a  staunch  friend  to 
his  country,  a  good  citizen  and  an  hxmeslman^ 
To  the  poor,  his  hand  was  ever  open  ;  and, 
in  behalf  of  the  oppressed,  his  energies  were 
ever  directed.  In  short,  he  was  of  that  class 
of  men,  who  freely  offered  up  their  a^  in  de- 
fence of  the  liberties  of  this  happy  and  flour> 
ishing  government ;  and,  as  such,  his  deeds 
and  his  famQ  are  associated  with  all  our  po- 
'litical  and  civil  privileges  and  blessings. 

The  last  years  of  his  life  were  spent  in 
Burlingtoii,  Vt,  where  he  pursued  the  avoca- 
tion of  a  farmer.  He  died,  in  that  town,  on 
the  12th  of  February,  1789,  of  apoplexy.  A 
plain  marble  slab  covers  his  remeaia!s,OQ 
ivhich  is  the  following  inscription : 

'THE  •    ■      ■ 

CORPOREAL  PART 

OP 

GEN.  ETHAN  ALDEN, 

RESTS  BENEATH  THIS  STONB 

TUB   12rH   DAT   OV  VKBRUART,  1789,  f 

AGED  60  YEARS.  .  ^r 

'Ms  spifit-  tried  the  vurcie^  ofkis.G^' 
In  mom  he  believed  J  ^d'^tfimg^tni^^ 


l.     ' 


COL.   ETHAN   ALLEI*. 


247 


rema^as,  OQ 


ORIGINAL  LETTERS. 

TicoNDERooA,  20th  of  July,  ITta. 
"Retpecfable  Gentlemen — When  I  reflect  on  the  unhap- 
-i^jB't  controversy  which  hath  many  years  subsisted  be 
tween  the  Government  of  New  York,  and  the  settlers  on 
'^the  New  Hampshire  Grants  ;  and,  also,  contemplate  on 
the  friendship  and  union  that  hath  lately  taken  place  be- 
tween the  Government  and  those  of  its  former  discon* 
tented  subjects,  in  making  a  united  resistance  against 
'Ministerial  vengeance  and  slr^'ery,  I  cannot  but  indulge 
fond  hopes  of  reconcil    '  ol      Vo  promote  this  r  t»../  jy 
end,  (  shall  contribute  niy  influ.  .jce  ;  assuring  your  lion- 
•ourSf  that  your  respectful  treatment,  not  only  to  Mr. 
.' Warner  and  myself,  but  to  the  Green  Mountain  Boys  in 
Igeneral,  in  forming  them  into  a  battallion,  are,  by  them, 
duly  regarded :  and  Iw  ill  be  responsible  that  they  will 
retaliate  this  favour,  by  boldly  hazarding  their  lives» 
iif  need  be,  ia  the  common  cause  of  America^ 

Ihope  no  gentleman  in  the  Congress  will  retain  any 
preconceived  prejudice  against  me  ;  as,  on  my  part,  I 
shall  not  against  any  of  them  ;  but,  as  soon  as  opportu- 
nity may  permit,  and  the  public  cause  not  suffer  there- 
Sy,  shall  hold  myself  in  readiness  to  settle  all  former 
ifficuUies  and  grievances,  on  honourable  terms. 

I  am.  Gentlemen,  with  the  greatest  respect,  your  de- 
voted, most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

ETHAN  ALLEN. 
'Teethe  Hm»  Provincial  Congress,  JSTewYotL 

'Gkownpoint,  2dof  JnwEjlTTfi. 

'Respectable  OcnffewcTH-Before' this  time,  you  harm^ 

iindoubtedly ,  received  intelligence  not  only  of  the  taking 

"the  fortified  places  on  Lake  Ghamplain,  and  also  ihe 

'iirmed'  sloop  and  boats  therein,  and  the  taking  possess* 

itmor  a  schooner  which  is  the  property  of  Maj.  Skeaot 
'^aoid- armed  and  manned  it,  and  of  the  conversion  of 

Ihem,  with^lai<ge  train  of  artillery,  to  thetbfeaeeof 

the  liberty  ^atid  constitutional  rights  of  America.    Yon 
'iiavQ^ -Kkewise,  undoubtedly,  been  kiiormed thatlhe^es^ 

'p6ffitioiivwas''itiideftak6n  4it  the^  special  eBPCOuiagenent 


248 


ORICIVAL  tGTTfiRfi. 


I  '< 


1    ■  4- 


!••■ 


i     h'i., 


■:!■ 


-'.  i    las;, 


ill 


■  1'  :* 


II 


and  reqaest   of  a  number  of  respectable  gentlemen^ 
10  the  colony  of  Connecticut.    The  pork  forwarded  to 
snbsist  Uie  army»  bv  your  Honours'  directions,  evinces 
your  approbation  of  the  procedure,  and,  as  it  was  a  pri- 
vate expedition,  and  common  fame  reports  that  there  are 
a  number  of  overgrown  tories  in  the  Province,  your 
Honours  will  the  readier  excuse  me  in  not  first  taking 
vour  advice  in  the  matter,  lest  the  entcrprizcs  might  have 
been  prevented  by  their  treachery.    It  is  here  reported, 
that  some  of  them  have  lately  been  savingly  converted, 
and  that  others  have  lost  their  influence.    If,  in  those 
achievements,  there  be  any  thing  honourary,  the  sub- 
jects of  your  Government,   viz  :  the  New  Hampshire 
settler«--^re  justly  entitled  to  a  large  share,  as  they  had 
a  great  majority  of  numbers  of  the  soldiery,  as  well  as 
the  command  in  making  those  acquisitions  ;  and,  as  your 
Honours  justify  and  approve  the  same,  I  desire  and  ex- 
pect your  Honours  already  have,  or  soon  will,  lay  before 
tlie  Grand  Continental  Congress,  the  great  disadvantage 
it  must  eventually  be  to  the  Colonies,  to  evacuate  Lake 
Champlain,  and  give  up  to  the  enemies  of  our  country, 
those  mvaluable  acquisitions,  the  key  of  either  Canada 
or  of  our  country,  according  as  which  party  holds  the 
same  in  possession,  and  makes  a  proper  improvement  of 
it    The  key  is  ours  as  yet ;  and,  provided  the  Colonies 
would  suddenly  push  an  army  of  two  or  three  thousand 
men  into  Canada,  they  might  make  a  conquest  of  all  that 
would  oppose  them  in  the  extensive  Province  of  Quebec, 
except  reinforcements  from  England  should  prevent  it 
Such  a  diversion  would  weaken  Gen.  Gage,  or  insure  us 
of  Canada.    I  wish  to  God,  America  would,  at  this  criti- 
cal juncture,  exert  herself  agreeable  to  the  indignity  of* 
iered  her  by  a  tyrannical  ministry.    She  might  rise,  on 
eagles'  wings,  and  mount  up  to  glory,  freedom  and  im- 
mortal honour,  if  she  did  know  and  exert  her  strength* 
Fame  is  now  hovering  over  her  head.    A  vast  continent 
must  DOW  sink  to  slavery,  poverty,  horror  and  bondage, 
or  rise  to  unconquerable  freedom,  immense  wealth,  in- 
expressible felicity  and  immortal  fame.    /  tnll  lay  my 
9fe  on  Ut  thatmth  fifteen  hundred  men  and  a  proper  ar- 
tiikry,  i  ^  tai^  Montreal ;  provided;  I  comd  thus  be 


ORIGINAL  LETERS. 


240 


furnished  :  and,  if  an  army  could  command  the  field,  it 
would  be  uo  insuperable  difficulty  to  take  Quebec.  This 
object  should  be  pursued,  (hough  it  should  take  ten  thou*' 
sand  men  to  accomplish  the  end  proposed,  for  England 
cannot  spare  but  a  certain  number  o(  her  troops ;  nay, 
i^e  has  but  a  small  number  that  are  disciplined,  and  it  is 
as  long  as  it  is  broad,  the  more  that  are  sent  to  QuebeCf 
the  less  they  can  send  to  Boston,  or  any  other  part  of  (ho 
continent,  and  there  will  bo  (his  unspeakable  advantage 
in  directing  the  war  into  Canada,  that  instead  of  turning 
the  Canadians  and  Indians  against  us,  (as  is  wrongly 
suggested  by  many,)  it  would  unavoidably  attain  and 
connect  them  to  our  interest.  Our  friends  in  Canada 
can  never  help  us,  till  wc  first  help  them,  except  in  a 
9  passive  or  inactiue  manner.  There  arc,  now,  but  about 
seven  hundred  regular  troops  in  Canada.  I  have  lately 
had  sundry  conferences  with  the  Indians:  they  are  very 
friendly.  Capt.  Abraham  Nimham,  a  Stockbridge  In- 
dian, and  Mr.  Winthrop  Hoit,  who  has  sundry  years 
lived  with  the  Cachnewagas,  in  the  capacity  of  a  prisoner, 
and  was  made  an  adopted  son  to  a  motherly  squaw  of 
that  tribe,  have  both  been  gone  ten  days  to  treat  with 
the  Indians  as  our  embassadors  of  peace  and  friendship. 
I  expect,  in  a  few  weeks,  to  hear  fiom  them.  By  them 
I  sent  a  friendly  letter  to  the  Indians,  which  Mr.  Hoit  can 
eocplain  to  them  in  Indian.  The  thing  that  so  unites  the 
temper  of  the  Indians  to  us,  is  our  taking  the  sovereign- 
ty of  Lake  Champlain.  They  have  not  enough  to  make 
a  good  bargain,  and  stand  by  the  strongest  side  ;  much 
the  same  may  be  said  of  the  Canadians.  They  have  no 
jiersonal  controversy  with  us,  but  act  on  political  princi- 
ples. If  we  evacuate  Lake  Champlain,  and  retire  to 
Lake  George,  Gov.  Carlton  can,  by  intrigue,  and  will 
,  not  fail,  to  draw  them  into  his  interest.  If  we  hold  the 
.  supremacy,  we  shall  do  the  same  ;  for  cunning  and  pow- 
er are  but  the  same  thing,  be  it  exercised  by  either  Carl- 
ton or  us  ;  but  cunning,  without  power,  can  hold  no 
equal  contest  with  that  which  is  armed  with  it.  It  may  be 
thought,  that  to  push  an  army  into  Canada,  would  be  too 
premature  and  imprudent ;  if  so,  I  propose  to  make  a 
staad  at  the  Isle  aux  Noix,  which  the  French  ibrti/ied  by 


"  I 


350 


OBIGUTAL  LETTER9. 


>.  > 


I  ;• 


')»' 


!'    I  i 


.'' 


|. 


Vi 


'■■'M . 


ontrenchment  the  la^t  war,  and  greatly  fatigued  our  ar<; 
my  to  take  it  It  is  about  fi(leen  miles  this  side  of  Sain| 
Jphns ;  and  is  an  Island  in  the  rivery  on  wiiich  a  small 
artillery  placed,  would  command  it.  An  establiahmenti 
oJr  a  frontier  so  far  North,  would  not  only  better  secure 
our  own  frontier,  but  put  it  into  our  power  to  better  worli[ 
our  policy  with  the  Canadians  and  Indians  ;  or,  if  need 
be^  to  make  incursions  into  the  territory  of  Canada,  the 
same  ais  they  could  into  our  country,  provided  they  had 
the  sovereignty  of  Lake  Champloin,  and  had  erected 
Head  Quarters  at,  or  near  Skenesborough^  Our  only 
having  it  in  our  power  to  thus  make  incursions  into  Canr 
ada,  might  probably,  be  the  very  reason  why  it  would 
be  unnecessary  so  to  do,  even  if  tbe  Canadia,ris  should 
prove  more  refractory  than  I  think  for.^  Lastly^  witb 
submission,  I  would  propose  to  yovr  Honours  to  raisQ  ft 
sm&Ii  regiment  of  Hangers,  which  I  could  easily  do^  an(jt 
that  mostly  in  the  counties  of  Albany  and  Charlotte,  pro- 
vided your  Honours  should  think  it  expedient  to  grant 
commissions,  and  thus  regulate  and  put  the  same  uAder 
pay.  Probably  your  Honours  may  think  this  an  impeyr 
tinent  proposal :  It  is,  truly,  the  first  favour  I  ever  ask- 
ed of  the  Government;  and  if  it  be  granted,  I  shall  b^ 
zealously  ambitious  to  cond'vt  for  the  best,  good  of  my 
country,  and  the  honour  of  the  Government 

I  siibscribe  myself.  Gentlemen,  with  due  respect,  your 
Honours' most  obedientii  humble  servant, 

ETHAN  ALLEN. 

Gentlemen,  in  the  nariccitive  contained  in  ihe  enclosed^ 
was  too  materially  omitted,  the  valour  and  intrepidity  of 
Col.  J^ames  Easton,  and  forty  six  veteran  soldiers  from 
the  Massachusetts  Bay,  who  assisted  in  the  taking  Ti- 
ooiideroga.  Col.  Easton  is  just  returned  from  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  to  thisplace, 
and  expects  lie  will  soon  have  the  command  of  a  re^^- 
ment  from  that  Province.        Yours,  &c. 

ETHAI^  AL^iEN. 
XicoNDEROGA,  the  4th  of  JuNEj^  ItTS. 
To  our  worthy  and  respectable  friends  and  country- 


men, the  French  People  of  Canada 


Gre^tinj. 


\' 


friends  ^nd  fellow-countrymen :— You  arf ^  undoub^ 


.  »■  •■ . 


OKlOtNAL  LETTERS. 


251 


eSiy^lntbre  6t  Tcm  acquainted  wida  the  unnatural  and  un-  ' 
happy  controversy  subsistingljetweea  Great  Britain  and 
faorbolonies,  the  particulars  of  whicJi,  in  this  letter,  we 
ddnoA expatiate  upon,  Uut  refer  yoiur  consideration  to  the 
justico  and  equitableness  thereof,  on  the   part  of  the 
Colonies,  to  the  former  (caowledge  that  you  have  had  of 
ihid  matter.    We  need  oqly  observe,  that  the  inhabitants 
of  thecolortaes  view  the  controversy,  on  their  part,  to  be 
justifiable  in  the  sight  of  God  and  all  unprejudiced  and 
iionest  men  that  have,  or  may  have,  opportunity  and 
ability  to  examine   into  the  merits  of  it    Upon  this 
principle,  Uiosc  inhabitants  determine  to  vindicate  their 
cau^,  and    naintain  their  natural  and   constitutional 
rights  and  liberties,  at  the  ex|)ence  of  their  lives  aiiid 
fortunes  ;  but  have  not  the  least  disposition  to  injure,  nuv 
lest,  or  any  way  depriv.c  our  fellow  subjects,  the  Canadi- 
ans,  of  their  liberty  or  property ;  nor  have  they  any  design 
to  wage  war  against  them  :  and,  from  all  intimations  tha 
the  inhabitants  oftbc  said  colonies  have  received  from  the 
Canadians,  it  has  appeared  that  they  were  alike  di»' 
posed  for  iriendship  and  neutrality,  and  not  at  all  di»> 
posed  to  take  part  with  the  King's  troops  in  the  pres- 
ent civil  war,  against  the  coktnies.     We  were,  never* 
thcless,  surprised  to  hea,r  that  a  nuniber  of  about  thirty 
Canadians   attacked  our  reconnoitring  j^arty,  consistinc 
of  four  men — fired  on  them,  and  pursued  them,  and  obh- 
\ged  them  to  return  llie  fire.    This  is  the  account  of  the 
party  which  have  siBce  arrived  at  Head  Quarters.     We 
desire  to  know,  of  any  gentleman  Canadian^   the  (acts 
of  the  case,  as  one  story  is  good  till  another  is  told.     Our 
general  orders  to  the  soldiery  was  that  they  should  not, 
on  pain  of  death,  molest  or  kill  any  of  your  people,  but, 
if  it  shall  appear,  upon  examination,  that  our  recomio»> 
tring  party  commenced  hostilities  against'your  people, 
they  shall  suffer  agveeabie  to  the  sentence  of  a  Court 
Martial,  for  our  special  orders  from  the  colonies  are  to 
befriend  and  protect  you  if  need  lie,  so  that  if  you  desire 
their  friendship,  you  are  invited  to  embrace  it,  for  noth- 
ing can  be  more  undesiVable  to  your  friends  in  the  colo 
nies,  than  a  war  with  their  fellow  subjects,  the  Canadi- 
ans, or  with  the  Indians.    You  are  very  sensible  that  war 


►»* 


252 


ORIGINAL   LETTERS. 


'*  .         )»  i> 


has  already  commooced  between  England  and  the  colo- 
nics. HostiJities  have  alrendy  began.  To  fight  the 
King's  troops  has  becoi;ne  a  necctfairy  and  incumbent  du- 
ty. The  colonies  cannot  avoid  it,  but  pray  is  It  necessa- 
ry that  the  Canadians  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  English 
colonics  should  butcher  one  another?  God  forbid!  there 
is  no  controversy  subsisting  between  you  and  them.*- 
Pray  let  old  England  and  the  colonies  fight  it  out,  and, 
you,  Canadians,  stand  by  and  see  what  an  arm  of  flesh 
can  do !  We  arc  apprehensive  that  the  conduct  of  your 
people  before  complained  of,  had  not  a  geueral  approba- 
tion )  and  are  t>till  confident  that  your  country,  as  such, 
will  not  wage  .war  with  the  colonies  or  approve  the  afore- 
said hostile  conduct  of  your  poople,  as  we  conceive  it  to 
be  impolitic,  to  the  last  degree,  for  the  Canadians  to  en- 
ter into  a  iDloody  war  without  either  a  provocation  or 
motive,  and  when  at  the  same  lime,  every  motive  of 
'interest,  virtue  and  honour,  are  ready  at  hand  to  dis- 
suade you  from  it.  In  fine,  we  conclude  Saint  Luke,  Capt 
McCoy,  and  other  evil  minded  persons,  whose  interest 
and  inclination  it  is,  that  the  Canadians  and  the  peoplo 
of  those  cclcnies  should  cut  one  another's  throats,  have 
enveigled  some  of  the  baser  «ort  of  your  peoplo  to  alf- 
tack  our  said  reconnoitring  party.  We  expect,  gentle- 
rilen,  as  to  these  particulars,  you  will,  in  good  time,  in- 
form \»s;  apd  subscribe  ourselves.  Your  real  friqndg, 

i:THAN  ALLEN,  f^t  present,  theprind" 

>    pal  commanders  of 
JAMES  EASTON,  )  the  army, 

A  eopy  of  the  foregoing  letter  was,  this  day»  sent  to 
Mr.  Walker,  our  trusty  friend,  at  Montreal,  per  favour 
of  Mr.  JefTere,  whose  fidelity  is  unquestionable,  and  it  is 
wholly  left  with  Mr.  Walkerto  make  its  contents Ihe  most 
public  that  he  possibly  cap,  whether  by  printing  it  and 
translating  it  into  French,  <Sz;c.  We,  furthermore, 
thought  it  expedient  your  Honours  should  have  a  copy 
communicated  to  yoq.        Yours,  at  command, 

ETHAN  ALLEN, 
JAMES  EASTON. 


ind  and  (he  oolo- 
Q.      To  fight  the 
nd  LncujnbenI  du- 
pray  isit  necessa- 
its  of  tho  EnffUsh 
jrod  forhid !  there 
fo\i  and  them.— 
fight  it  out,  and, 
t  an  arm  of  flesh 
c  conduct  of  your 
gehoral  approba- 
country,  as  such, 
approve  the  afore- 
I  we  conceive  it  to 
Canadians  to  en- 
'  a  provocation  or 
,  every  motive  of 
r  at  hand  to  dis- 
Saint  Luke,  Capt 
ts,  whose   interest 
ins  and  the  people 
er's  throats,   have 
your  people  to  aip 
fe  expect,  gentle- 
,  in  good  time,  i^- 
ur  real  friqnds, 
oresentf  theprind* 
il  commanders  oj 

the  army* 

this  day»  seni  to 
DUtrealj  per  favour 
iStionable,  and  it  is 
s  conteutethe  most 

by  pxinting  it  and 
We,    furthermore, 
louid  have  a  copy 
command, 
N  ALLEN, 

EASTON. 


